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Second presbytery of Batiscan
20th century, before 1922
Batiscan (Quebec), Canada

Credits:
Vieux manoirs, vieilles maisons, Commission des monuments historiques de la province de Québec

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During that period, the land owned by the Parish Council was at the heart of the activities of the parish. The church, the presbytery, the cemetery and the mill were all located on these lands. The first village mill, were the land tenants were obligated to bring their grain to be ground, was located at the centre of the segniory, near the St. Lawrence, and was a hub of activity.

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Diagram of the site
From 17th to 19th century
Batiscan (Quebec), Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Drawing by Berthe - I. Brunelle of Batiscan

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Given the quick rise in population, the church could no longer welcome its parishioners due to lack of space by 1865. Many accounts tell of people having to sit on overturned buckets or having to stand all through mass. As this situation was unacceptable, the Parish Council decided to build a new church.

It was decided that the new church should be erected closer to the heart of the parish, which had migrated towards the east over the years. A new presbytery would also be built next to the church. To please the parishioners who were unhappy about the new location of the church and thus having to finance the construction of the new presbytery, Wencelas Fréchette promised to take responsibility for the cost of his home. As he was an excellent negotiator, he was offered the old presbytery, the old church, as well as the grounds on which they were located in exchange for his financial implication.

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St. François-Xavier de Batiscan Church
End of 19th century
Batiscan (Quebec), Canada

Credits:
Pinsonneault

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Present day presbytery
End of 19th century
Batiscan (Quebec), Canada

Credits:
Batiscan's Historical Society "Batiscan et son Histoire"

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ECONOMIC LIFE IN BATISCAN

From the beginnings of the colony to the end of the 18th century, agriculture was the means of livelihood in Batiscan. Towards the 1860's, the economy shifted from agricultural to naval. The heart of the village moved near the docks at the mouth of the Batiscan River to foster maritime commerce and naval industry. This economy nevertheless changed with the rise of regional logging activities and the establishment of several sawmills in the Mauricie region. These sawmills were usually small and hired dozens of seasonal workers. Their business activities were of local and international nature.

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Relocation of the parish
21st century, circa 2008
Batiscan (Quebec), Canada

Credits:
Luc Béraud

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Batiscan beach
19th century, circa 1895
Batiscan (Quebec), Canada

Credits:
Pinsonneault

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Batiscan Pier
20th century, circa 1904
Batiscan (Quebec), Canada

Credits:
Pinsonneault

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Consequently to England engaging in the Napoleonic wars, an important growth was noted in the purchase orders for wood and vessels. This resulted in the establishment of sawmills and a shipyard on the Batiscan River. The arrival of these fair-sized industries brought a sense of prosperity to the parish.

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Price Brothers
19th century, circa 1860
Batiscan (Quebec), Canada

Credits:
Prudent Lafontaine

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Industries in Batiscan
21st century, circa 2008
Batiscan (Quebec), Canada

Credits:
Luc Béraud