Chapelle McLaren, Presbyterian chapel in Port-au-Persil, Saint-Siméon, Canada
Chapelle McLaren is a wooden chapel located near the Saint Lawrence River in Port-au-Persil, constructed with a traditional architectural style. The interior features a stained glass window depicting the Burning Bush, which serves as a focal point for the space.
John McLaren built the chapel entirely in wood in 1902, and it was first called the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. It served the Protestants of the Port-au-Persil area. It still belongs to the McLaren family, though it is no longer affiliated with any religion.
This chapel represents the Scottish Protestant heritage that took root in Quebec and shaped the religious identity of Saint-Siméon. The structure itself serves as a physical reminder of the diverse faith communities that settled along the Saint Lawrence River.
The chapel is accessible year-round for visitors and sits near the river with natural views of the surrounding landscape. The location is somewhat remote, so plan to arrive with enough daylight and check weather conditions beforehand.
The chapel is no longer affiliated with any religion, yet it stays open to the public. Ownership has passed down through John McLaren's descendants since he built it entirely in wood in 1902. On the south wall, a stained glass window shows the Burning Bush.
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