Historic église de l’Enfant-Jésus
NW 16-8-8 E
Richer

Designation Date:  October 22, 2008
Designation Authority:  R.M. of Ste. Anne
Present Owner:  Friends of Prayer

The Historic église de l'Enfant-Jésus, a classically inspired structure with a dignified front, is a very fine example of French-Canadian ecclesiastical architectural traditions adapted to a small francophone community in southeastern Manitoba in the early 1900s. Designed by J.A. Hudon of St. Boniface (with plans revised by A. Gauthier of Lorette), the church is recognized for its significant role in the religious, educational and social development of the Richer area, especially among the Metis, many of whom figured prominently in church life and are buried in the adjacent cemetery. Faithfully served for over five decades by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Saint Hyacinthe, the church, the second built on the site (by volunteers using local materials), is the only surviving historic structure from a complex that included a convent, parish hall and rectory. It stands largely unchanged and is an integral part of the community’s identity.