By Rhonda Massad
www.thesuburban.com
In March, 275 years ago, the parish of Ste. Rose de Lima opened its spiritual doors to the people of Île Jésus along the Mille Îles River, which was then called the St. John River. It was the third church to be built in the parish. Construction took four years from 1852-1856.
The Ste. Rose district church was recognized as a historic monument in 1974.
“It is with great pleasure that we mark the 275th anniversary of the parish of Ste. Rose de Lima. This former holiday resort that once drew hundreds of Montrealers for its beaches and its charming scenery, the area is now a place where many elements of our heritage abound,” said Ste. Rose district executive committee member and councillor, Virginie Dufour in a statement.
Apostle of colonization and a leading figure in the region, Antoine Labelle is also closely linked to the history of the parish. He was born where now stands L’Auberge les Menus Plaisirs in Ste. Rose. He preached tirelessly for the establishment of settlers in the Laurentians. He was also actively involved in the construction of the railway in 1870 that still connects Montreal in the Laurentians, via Ste. Rose.
“As witness to the progress of Laval and protective values of our ancestors, the parish of Ste. Rose de Lima is one of the oldest institutions of that contributed to the development of Laval. On behalf of elected officials and employees of the City of Laval, I wish a wonderful 275th birthday to all,” said Laval Mayor Marc Demers.
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