Provincial Heritage Site No. 57
Known as the Cathedral of the North, this is one of the largest Roman Catholic mission churches in Manitoba.
The missionaries arrived in this area in 1839, long before the advent of large-scale agricultural settlement. As the western frontiers opened during the late 19th century the Roman Catholic and Anglican missionaries were a stabilizing influence. Along the west shore of Lake Winnipegosis the Catholic Oblates of Mary Immaculate undertook mission work with Metis and Aboriginal groups, providing education in a large dormitory school. The interior was rebuilt after a fire in 1930.
It is likely that the church was designed by Rev. St. Germain, an Oblate Father. Construction was by the congregation.
Few Roman Catholic churches in the south were as ambitious. With their imposing size, stone construction and carefully designed facades, these buildings were impressive monuments to the faith. Similar to other Latin churches in Manitoba, this one has its architectural roots in Quebec.