Completed in 1727, the Church of the Purification in Repentigny is among Canada’s oldest religious buildings. Inspired by traditional Norman architecture, the church has a Latin cross plan and a dominant roof. The floor is built at ground level and there are no steps to climb to enter the sanctuary. Small window openings and thick rubble stone walls confer an organic expression to the facades. A hand-made structure built to pass the test of time, the Church of the Purification was designated a national historic monument in 1978.
The exterior restoration of the church was based on a detailed study of its iconic and heritage value, extensive site inspections, and a careful evaluation of technical deficiencies. Seeking solutions respectful of the historic structure, the restoration approach combines current technical knowledge with artisanal techniques employed in the original construction.
Among the technical deficiencies identified were the settlement of foundations, structural imbalances in the bell towers, degradation of interior wood finishes, and advanced aging of stone mortar. By implementing durable solutions to each of these problems, the restoration program insures the long-term survival of this historic monument. The work was carried out over a period of five years by specialised craftsmen.