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Inside the Sainte-Marthe church, Sainte-Marthe, 2010

Color photograph, close-up of a church interior with religious furnishings on which stands a large statue surrounded by four smaller lighted statues.

© Bernard Bourbonnais, 2010 – Musée régional de Vaudreuil-Soulanges

The first families to settle in this part of the territory must travel all the way to the neighboring parish of Sainte-Madeleine de Rigaud to assist Sunday mass. In 1838, a small wood chapel was built and the priests from Rigaud visited occasionally. The population grew, and permission was granted to create a parish and build a church. The church planning was entrusted to architect Victor Bourgeau (1809-1888) and construction was completed in 1866. The first mass was held on May 17th, 1866.

Keeping with tradition, the church and high altar were dedicated to Sainte-Marthe, represented by a plaster statue. Sainte-Marthe is the patron of hospitality and of helping the poor and destitute. She is represented here with a key and a vase of holy water.