“The bells are ringing. The parish priest greets his congregation in German: Gott segne sie!”

Montreal's German-speaking Catholic population expands after the First World War. These immigrants come not only from Germany, but also from neighbouring countries such as Switzerland, Austria and Hungary. Initially holding services in the basement of a French church, this community acquires its own parish in 1929.

Lacking resources, German-speaking Catholics must wait until 1948 to witness the completion of their parish church, a modest building with simple lines.

Imagine the avenue in the mid 20th century. It's a marvellous cultural crossroads where people are speaking not only French and English, but also German, Yiddish and Portuguese!

Design and writing credits for historical panels: Pirogue in collaboration with BCK design