Description of Historic Place

Located on Principale Street, in the Village of Clair, Saint-François-d’Assise Church sits on the banks of the Saint John River. The building’s modern style and integrated rectory give the whole structure an imposing appearance.

Heritage Value

Built in 1961, the current church is located on the site of the first church in the Village of Clair, which was destroyed by fire. Its main value lies in its modern architecture, which clearly demonstrates the evolution of religion over the last century. Magnificent stained-glass windows also accentuate the beauty of this church building.

Source: Madawaska Planning Commission, Clair Register of Historic Places, 6.1, "Église Saint-François-d’Assise"

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements associated with Saint-François-d’Assise Church include:
- location on the original site of the first church in the Village of Clair;
- modern architecture, evoking traditional religious elements such as the square, off-centered bell tower with steeply pitched spire and gables;
- stained-glass windows;
- two-storey neo-Georgian-inspired rectory integrated into the church structure.