Sainte-Thérèse d’Avila Church is of historical value due to its importance in founding the village of Marionville. Its highly visible location at the main intersection makes it a cornerstone of the surrounding streetscape and village.
The four main founders of the village of Marionville, the Marion brothers Séraphin, Isaïe, Ludger and Urgel, were originally from Saint-Jacques-de-L'Achigan, in Québec. These pioneers initially settled in the parish of St-Jacques, in Embrun. They had to travel 15 kilometres to attend church every Sunday. The distance was long and difficult with the means of transportation available at the time, so these four brothers sought to create a new community. In 1903, the Marion brothers requested J. Thomas Duhamel, Archbishop of the Diocese of Ottawa, to separate from Embrun and establish their own community nearby. The archbishop granted their request and authorized the construction of a wooden church, to be covered with bricks.
Séraphin Marion offered 2 acres of his land to build the church and presbytery, and Louis Marion offered 3 acres of his land for the cemetery.
Architect Gauthier drew the plans for the building. Gilbert Emard won the tender for construction at a cost of $620. The parish priest and parishioners supplied the materials.
The construction of the church began in June 1904 and was completed by October 1904. The building was 76 feet long inside, 42 feet wide outside and 22 feet high above the panelling. It was thanks to the Marion brothers, in collaboration with other members of the community, that Sainte-Thérèse d’Avila Church opened its doors in 1904.
The establishment of the Church marked the first stage in the development of the village of Marionville, named after the Marion family. A few years later, in 1908, a school was built across the street. The community grew rapidly thereafter and is still going strong in 2023 with a new subdivision of houses.
Photo of the commemorative plaque of Sainte-Thérèse d’Avila Church installed on the frontage of the church.
https://www.russell.ca/fr/recreation-and-culture/saint-therese-davila-church.aspx
Sainte-Thérèse d’Avila Parish
9605 Marionville Rd
Ontario, ON K4R 1E5
Telephone: 613 445-2006
Email: paroisse.marionville@gmail.com
Contact information:
Michel Pommainville, priest
Damien Abeli Akuetévi Dewornu, assistant priest
Luc Richer, Marcel Givogue; deacons
Diane Marion, secretary
François Leclerc, president – « Comité des affaires Temporelles »
Eucharistic Celebrations
Mass Schedule:
Sunday at 9:30 am
Tuesday evening (unless otherwise indicated) at 18:30 (Adoration of the Holy Sacrament, followed by the mass at 19:00)
School-age children can take part in the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Preparation is required.
Contact the parish to find out about upcoming sacramental preparations.