This gorgeous building was built in the early 1800s on Lagauchetiere and Chenneville at the edge of what is now Chinatown. It's best known historically as the place where duelling was denounced, leading to its disappearance in Montreal.
It was decided in 1937 that it would be demolished. But the Slovak Church (Lutherans) up and saved the day by deciding to use it instead. It was later inhabited by Chinese Catholics. Originally it was built by the Scotch Secession Church, later renamed the Erskine Church.
In 1838 Reverend Doctor William Taylor gave a sermon against dueling, which had been legit until then. The denunciation was inspired by an incident where one friend shot another after he believed he had made a pass at his wife. It was a misunderstanding and Robert Sweeny killed Major Warde for no good reason in their duel at Church and Lasalle. Sweeny wept immediately after killing his friend. Taylor's sermon was printed in a 33-page pamphlet and dueling ended as a result.
In 1867 the building was taken over by Sulpician laymen.
There was the Slovak House on Hutchison north of Jean Talon. Where did they move to? Or did it merge with another group or close for good?
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