Church of Saint-Joachim

Inaugurated at the end of the 19^th century, the current Saint-Joachim Church is the fourth building of its kind on Pointe-Claire. Its rich past testifies to its importance in the cultural and religious heritage of the city.

The first church, built in 1713, was replaced by a second construction in 1746 due to the population growth experienced by the parish. Having to undergo major repair work, the second church gave way to a new building in the mid-19^th century. As the construction work was nearing completion, it was entirely destroyed by a fire. The Sulpicians then decided to build an identical replica; thus, the current church came into being.

Completed in 1885, the Saint-Joachim Church of Pointe-Claire is a masterpiece of neo-Gothic style designed by the renowned architect Victor Bourgeau. The verticality of the architectural lines is only broken by the ogival shape of its openings. With a depth of 45.6 meters and a width of 18.9 meters, the building in rusticated gray stones has frames and ornaments in bush-hammered ashlar. The gabled roof is covered with batten seam sheets, just like the octagonal spire. Under its twin louvered belfries that direct sound towards the ground, the spire houses three bells.

Restored in 1963, 1964, and 1987, the interior of the church is a rich blend of symmetrical arrangement and artistic grace characteristic of ecclesiastical architecture. Installed in 1935, a sculpture depicting Saint Joachim, father of the Virgin Mary, stands in the central niche of the church under a carved decor including motifs of cusps, quatrefoils, beads, trefoils, pinnacles, small columns, and pendants.

Having inspired many other churches in the province, the Saint-Joachim Church of Pointe-Claire stands as a religious masterpiece both for its appearance and architectural features and for its heritage value on the site of the pointe.