Almost everywhere the chapels were of wood or clapboards, and
thatched; not more than eight or nine centres of population could boast
of possessing a stone church; many hamlets still lacked a chapel and
imitated the Lower Town of Quebec, whose inhabitants attended service in
a private house. As to priests' houses, they were a luxury that few
villages could afford: the priest had to content himself with being
sheltered by a respectable colonist.

During the few weeks when illness confined him to his bed, Laval had
leisure to reflect on the difficulties of his task. He understood that
his age and the infirmities which the Lord laid upon him would no longer
permit him to bring to so arduous a work the necessary energy. "His
humility," says Sister Juchereau, "persuaded him that another in his
place would do more good than he, although he really did a great deal,
because he sought only the glory of God and the welfare of his flock."
In consequence, he decided to go and carry in person his resignation to
the king. But before embarking for France, with his accustomed prudence
he set his affairs in order. He had one plan, especially, at heart, that
of establishing according to the rules of the Church the chapter which
had already existed _de facto_ for a long while. Canons are necessary to
a bishopric; their duties are not merely decorative, for they assist the
bishop in his episcopal office, form his natural council, replace him
on certain occasions, govern the diocese from the death of its head
until the deceased is replaced, and finally officiate in turn before the
altars of the cathedral in order that prayer shall incessantly ascend
from the diocese towards the Most High. The only obstacle to this
creation until now had been the lack of resources, for the canonical
union with the abbeys of Maubec and Lestrees was not yet an accomplished
fact. Mgr. de Laval resolved to appeal to the unselfishness of the
priests of the seminary, and he succeeded: they consented to fulfil
without extra salary the duties of canons.

By an ordinance of November 6th, 1684, the Bishop of Quebec established
a chapter composed of twelve canons and four chaplains. The former,
among whom were five priests born in the colony, were M. Henri de
Bernieres, priest of Quebec, who remained dean until his death in 1700;
MM. Louis Ange de Maizerets, archdeacon, Charles Glandelet, theologist,
Dudouyt, grand cantor, and Jean Gauthier de Brulon, confessor. The
c