Since 1984, the Russian Orthodox Church of St. George has belonged to the City of Rouyn-Noranda, which in 1992 designated the building as a heritage property in order to ensure the protection and preservation of its exterior.
Between 1984 and 1992, the building was mainly used to host activities, and since the summer of 1992, guided tours have been organized by the Rouyn-Noranda History Museum, who manages the site. Finally, since 2006 the site has been a museum.
Photo credit: City of Rouyn-Noranda
Built in 1955 on land donated by the city in the center of a neighborhood populated by post-war immigrants, many of whom were of Russian origin, the Russian Orthodox Church of St. George is built high on the rock.
This gives it an impression of grandeur, despite its small size. It should be noted that Russian immigrants in Rouyn-Noranda, even in the 1950s, were much less numerous than those of Ukrainian origin, hence the modest size of their church.
Photo credit: Gabriel Lacroix-Gingras
Here you can see the church under construction in the mid-1950s. On the steps are Father Feodor Ustutschenkow and Igor Treskin, who coordinated the construction of St. George's Church.
Photo credit: BAnQ
Here you can see the west facade of the church under construction, with Mr. Ustutschenkow and Mr. Treskin still present.
This photo shows part of the iconostasis, a wall of icons that plays a central role in Orthodox liturgy. Located between the nave and the sanctuary, it represents both a boundary and a passageway, symbolizing the threshold where earth meets heaven.
It is a true work of art, entirely handcrafted by priest Feodor Ustustschenkow.
Photo credit: Gabriel Gingras-Lacroix
As you may have noticed, St. George's Church is topped with bulbs rather than traditional domes. In northern regions, snow accumulation poses significant maintenance and safety challenges. This is one of the reasons why domes have gradually been refined toward the top. In addition, this shape allows snow to slide off more easily, while giving the building a vertical thrust that powerfully conveys the upward movement of prayer.
Note also the three-pronged crosses! Each one has a very special meaning, of course... It's up to you to discover them during a guided tour organized by the Rouyn-Noranda History Museum.
In the background of the photo, you can see the bell tower of Saint Joseph's Cathedral, as well as the chimneys of the Horne Smelter, which have been there since 1926.
Saint George's Church is more than just a place of worship! It expresses the ability of a cultural minority to assert its identity in an immigrant context. In addition, it transposes an ancient spiritual and architectural heritage into the still-young landscape of Rouyn-Noranda. It also bears witness to the essential role that immigrant communities have played in the social and cultural diversity of the city.
Through its architecture, the sacrifices it required, and the creativity that made its construction possible, St. George's Russian Orthodox Church is now a valuable witness to local heritage. It embodies the roots of a community, the ingenuity of its builders, and the openness of a city capable of welcoming and supporting the cultural diversity that makes it what it is.
Photo credit: William B. Daigle
- 1953 Arrival of Father Feodor Ustustschenkow in the region
- 1955-1957 Construction of St. George's Church
- 1957 Arrival of Father David Shevchenko, who replaced Father Ustustschenkow until his death in 1982
- 1984 Sale of the church to the City of Rouyn-Noranda
- 1992 Designation of the church as a heritage site and start of guided tours
- 2006 Conversion into a museum, with the inauguration of a permanent exhibition in the basement on immigration to the region
- Its elevated position above street level, on a rock foundation
- Its cross-shaped floor plan and gabled roof
- Its materials, including concrete foundations and white plaster facing
- Its ogival openings
- Its double wooden swinging door
- Its high steps
- Its two bulbous domes
- The presence of three-pointed crosses