FALL RIVER — St. Anne’s Shrine is not only moving ahead with ongoing renovations; they want the historic Roman Catholic monument, whose twin spires punctuate Fall River’s skyline, to be lauded as an international tourist destination.
Bob Gauvin, president of St. Anne’s Shrine Preservation Society , went before the Community Preservation Committee on Sept. 16 to secure $100,000 in funding, which would go toward the last $300,000 needed to help restore its exterior. Members of the board digressed adoringly about the building, comparing the shrine at 818 Middle St., at the intersection with South Main Street, to the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal .
“It’s the largest church in the area. It’s a stunning space that has one of the largest pipe organs in New England,” Gauvin said.
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The ‘last phase’ of restoration is underway
In a productive meeting with CPC members, St. Anne’s Shrine Preservation Society secured funding to restore and repoint the shrine’s original Vermont marble exterior walls, and to renew mortar joints.
Work on the south side and roof, including the gutters, has been completed.
“We’re in the process of restoring the north side,” Gauvin said, which is adjacent to the former Dominican Academy on Park Street . “That side,” he informed the board, “is being paid for by somebody who left us half of their estate.”
Restoration of the building's north side should wrap up by late November or early December.
“I've never restored a $100 million building,” Gauvin said, citing the significance of this makeover and the legacy of the structure. “It's in really good shape,” he said, commending his team of inspectors and the craftsmanship dating back to the early 20th century.
Gauvin added that the upper church space and towers are in “perfect” condition, and have been since 1906, when the shrine atop the hill — then, a parish — opened for worship .
Once sealant is reapplied to the exterior to prevent weathering that could threaten the building's structural integrity, the shrine will be protected for another 50 to 75 years, Gauvin estimated.
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“This shows a commitment on your part, that you’re putting it to use,” said John Brandt, conservation commissioner of the CPC, referring to previous funding the restoration project had garnered from the CPC. “The community gets to see that.”
Private funding will pay for additional costs. To supplement expenses, the shrine sells $6,000 worth of candles each month . The Rev. Kenneth Sicard, Providence College’s president and a Westport native, funded the restoration of the lower-level chapel.
St. Anne's Shrine is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, and noon until 4 p.m. on weekends.
‘The news is getting out’ and tourists may soon be pouring in
Commenting on widespread notoriety of the updates, plus the shrine’s longstanding history and significance to the French Canadian community over the past century, Michael Farias, appointed member of the CPC for the Planning Board, nudged discussion toward the prospect of international tourism during the meeting.
The aim to beautify the shrine coincides with the effort to create a sustainable working business model. Farias mentioned the success and prestige of Notre-Dame Basilica’s musical performances and light shows, hoping St. Anne’s Shrine could host similar attractions. The Notre-Dame Basilica is exemplar of a public-private partnership with the diocese that St. Anne’s Shrine is vying for.
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The diocese ran the church as a parish. It’s now described as a shrine. This has made big difference, according to Gauvin — St. Anne’s Shrine is on its way to becoming a destination for local and international tourism.
“We’re on the trolley stop,” Gauvin said. “For the first time in decades, we had a pilgrimage. A busload of people from Quebec. So, the news is getting out.”
He said the upper church is believed to be able to seat 2,000 people.
“If there’s ever a big event, that’s the place to have it,” Gauvin said.
The next meeting for projects eligible to receive funding is set for Jan. 8 and 9, with CPC’s deliberations concluding by Jan. 14.
“In 100 years from now, we would like to see that building still going strong,” said Brandt, echoing the sentiments of many who are keen for a glimpse once the upper church is open.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Could Fall River's St. Anne’s Church become an international tourist destination?
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