1709-1791

1709-1791

1709-1791
  • 1709 | The titular saint of the parish church officially becomes Saint Helen.
  • 1716 | Initiatives are undertaken for the construction of a more centrally situated church.
  • 1717 – 1727 | Through the tenacity of Provost Giuseppe Vassallo, a lawsuit in Rome is won confiming the priviledge of mantaining the Provost’s Chair seperate from the stalls in the church choir.
  • 1727 | The foundation stone is laid for the new Collegiate Church dedicated to Saint Helen. It is constructed according to the plans drawn up by Salvatore Borg. Grandmaster Manoel de Vilhena is one of its foremost benefectors.
  • 1745 | The main part of the new church is completed and is blessed by Bishop Alpheran de Bussan who described it as being one of great size and beauty.
  • 1751 | The office of Provost and that of Archpriest are merged into one.
  • 1760 – 1768 | The building and decoration of Saint Helen church dome is completed.
  • 1763 | The new titular painting of Saint Helen by Francesco Zahra is installed.
  • 1778 | New bells were made indicating that the West belfry had been completed by that year. In 1789 a clock was also installed.
  • 1782 | The Church is solemnly consecrated by Bishop Vincenzo Labini.
  • 1787 | Canon Don Perin Borg increases the Collegiate Chapter by the foundation of another four canonries.
  • 1791 | The old sacristy is built.