Tacked onto the wooden barrier surrounding the abandoned St-Eusèbe-de-Verceil church in Montreal, amidst “Free Gaza” and anti-police graffiti, is a poem that starts with “This church is no more.” The verse questions why the building is deteriorating, echoing concerns raised by officials at the once-grand Montreal Catholic church.
Years of neglect, a fire, substantial fines from the city, and ongoing trespassing incidents have prompted the church to take legal action against the City of Montreal to seek permission for the demolition of the deteriorating structure. With declining parishioners and diminishing provincial funding for restoration, underutilized churches in Quebec are racing to adapt to modern needs before facing a fate similar to St-Eusèbe-de-Verceil.
Securing the church against intruders has become a significant challenge for the parish and 77-year-old priest Roger Dufresne, who described how vandals have damaged the interior, including the church organ torn from the walls. The once-majestic sanctuary now lies in disarray, covered in debris and graffiti, with statues vandalized and the church bell a target for trespassers.
Despite efforts to revitalize the site through partnerships, the church has encountered obstacles due to financial constraints and city regulations. Requesting a demolition permit, the church highlighted safety concerns, financial limitations, and the lack of viable redevelopment opportunities. An engineering firm recommended total demolition due to safety and economic considerations, estimating restoration costs at over $50 million.
Stefano Marrone, overseeing the Montreal Catholic archdiocese’s real estate, emphasized the urgent need for demolition based on safety concerns and the challenges in finding developers willing to navigate uncertainties surrounding the building’s future. The church aims to redevelop the site for mixed-use purposes, potentially including housing and community facilities, while preserving elements of historical significance.
Solange Lefebvre, an expert in religious studies, acknowledged the trend of repurposing churches in Quebec but noted the rising costs of renovation, making demolition a practical solution for some underutilized churches. She suggested converting church sites into social or private housing given the value of land in urban areas.
Dufresne expressed a realistic approach to repurposing the church site for housing, considering the dwindling attendance at services. Reflecting on the changing landscape of religious institutions, he emphasized the need to adapt to current societal needs and the practicality of repurposing church spaces for more efficient use.