The first Jesuit mission

The first Jesuit mission in the St. Lawrence valley began mid-June 1625. On a lot given by the Viceroy of New France, the newcomers built a modest habitation of thirteen by seven metres housing a chapel dedicated to Notre-Dame-des-Anges. By 1629, a second structure of equal size was erected and land sowed. Meanwhile, Brébeuf conducted his first mission among the Montagnais, a nomad people who lived near Quebec City. In the winter, he experienced the harsh reality of missionary life. No sooner had he got familiar with the language and customs of the Montagnais was he sent to Huronia, the Huron's country (1626), then located north of Lake Huron and the Georgian Bay, Ontario. This 800 miles (1280 km) journey approximately took him one month. The voyage was hard going and exhausting due to portages, long walks in the woods, poor sailing conditions and privations. According to Brébeuf, “one had to be tough, help the Amerindians out whenever necessary, never complain and eat on time, generally twice a day, at sunrise and sunset.” His first stay with the Hurons resulted in no conversions, but was worthwhile on the linguistic and cultural levels. This people easily accepted Brébeuf thanks to the strong trading agreements they had with the French since Champlain's first expeditions.

After the Kirke brother's invaded Quebec City in 1629, the Jesuits were sent back to France, but came back in 1632 as Quebec was ceded back to France through the treaty of St Germain-en-laye. On their return, they restored their living quarters along with a section of the second building, burnt down by the conquerors. A wooden fence of 10.5 square metres and 4.5 metres high was added around the courtyard.