The former Church of Notre-Dame-de-Protection

Built in 1932 according to plans by architect Peter J. O'Gorman, the former Notre-Dame-de-Protection Church, now the Agora des Arts, is a rectangular building with a sacristy, a side entrance, and a wing connecting the church to the former presbytery.

The architecture is distinguished by the widespread use of semicircular arches. On the facade, two blind oculi surmount the side portals, while two arched windows are superimposed above the main entrance. The building is topped by a gabled roof, dominated by a bell tower set on a central projection.

Also noteworthy is the modern extension, which contrasts modern architecture with Italian Neo-Renaissance style, creating a combination that, while harmonious, is most eclectic! 

Photo credit : James Brittain

Notre-Dame-de-Protection Church occupied the heart of a veritable 'religious hamlet' where Catholic, Anglican, and United (Presbyterian, Methodist, and Congregationalist) places of worship, as well as a Masonic temple, stood side by side, just a few meters apart. Nearby, on 9th Street, there was a Baptist church and a synagogue.

The parish's history is marked by the great interfaith courtesy that reigned between its ministers and congregations, even promoting ecumenical practices for a time. From 1932 to 1946, Notre-Dame-de-Protection was a bilingual parish, before the English-speaking Catholic community founded Blessed Sacrament.

The photo shows the church and rectory before the multiple renovations. 

Photo credit: BAnQ 

Here is a photo of the rear of Notre-Dame-de-Protection Church taken in the 1970s from the former All Saints Church. In the background are the famous smelter chimneys rising toward the sky. 

Photo credit: BAnQ / François Ruph  

This photo shows Notre-Dame Church just after its construction was completed. Note the temporary wooden steps and the two simple doors opening onto empty space. Construction standards were certainly different back then! 

Photo credit: BAnQ 

The church seen from behind via 7th Street. As you can see, the presbytery wasn't even there when this photo was taken! Notice how the building directly across the street, which was the Imperial Bank of Commerce at the time, retains many of its original features. 

Photo credit: BAnQ 

Here you can see the interior of the church before it became a performance hall. 

Photo credit: RPCQ 

This photo shows the interior of the Agora des Arts following renovations carried out between 2022 and 2024. 

Photo credit: Chevalier Morales and James Brittain

- 1932 Construction

- 1935 Construction of the presbytery

- 1953 Extension (raising) of the presbytery

- 1960 Expansion of the church (choir, sacristy, covered walkway, and side entrance portico)

- 2004 Desecration

- 2008 Sale to Agora des Arts

- 2022-2024 Major renovations

Although the exterior of the original church and presbytery is still recognizable, the renovations of recent years have significantly altered the appearance of the former Notre-Dame-de-Protection church. 

However, it is an interesting example of the repurposing of a heritage place of worship. Although the site has undergone several changes, the original building still stands proudly in the heart of the neighbourhood and continues to serve the community in a different way. Repurposing rather than demolition is always preferable and remains the preferred option!