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Malaysian Reserve
4 days ago
- General
- Malaysian Reserve
New provincial plaque commemorates the Guelph British Methodist Episcopal Church
GUELPH, ON, July 15, 2025 /CNW/ – The Ontario Heritage Trust, alongside the Guelph Black Heritage Society, has unveiled a new provincial plaque to the Guelph British Methodist Episcopal (BME) Church. This new provincial plaque tells the story of this building and how it fulfilled the spiritual and social needs of its congregation and Guelph's historical Black community. It was a meeting place, a safe haven and a symbol of freedom. People of African descent have resided in Guelph and Wellington County since the area was settled in the late 1820s. Black families in Upper Canada established homesteads, worked in a range of occupations and developed institutions of community life. In Guelph, the first Black congregation was formed in the 1850s. By the time of Confederation, the Black community had grown such that church services, once held in the private homes of worshippers, required a new public space. A wooden chapel was built in 1870, and the cornerstone of this limestone structure was laid in 1880. The BME Church became the centre of Guelph's Black community. Along with religious services, the church hosted programs and events that provided support and social opportunities that helped to teach life skills and literacy. Its story represents the resilience, drive and vision of Guelph's Black community and encompasses the long history of Black settlement in Guelph, in Wellington County and in Ontario. 'This new provincial plaque to the British Methodist Episcopal Church, a cherished cultural landmark, is a tribute to the voices that history tried to silence. By preserving and celebrating our shared heritage, we ensure that future generations understand the struggles and triumphs that shaped our community.' — Denise Francis, Guelph Black Heritage Society 'The Guelph British Methodist Episcopal Church stands as a powerful symbol of perseverance, faith and community. This new provincial plaque pays tribute to those who built a place of refuge, belonging and hope in the face of adversity,' said Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. 'As we commemorate this historic site, we commend the Ontario Heritage Trust for its ongoing efforts to preserve our shared heritage and recognize the vital contributions of Ontario's Black communities.' 'The Guelph British Methodist Episcopal Church stands as a testament to the enduring strength of Ontario's Black communities. For generations, it was more than a place of worship — it was a cornerstone of civic and spiritual life. The Ontario Heritage Trust is honoured to commemorate its legacy with a provincial plaque.' — John Ecker, Chair, Ontario Heritage Trust The plaque text reads as follows: GUELPH BRITISH METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH A testament to the resilience of the Black community, the Guelph British Methodist Episcopal (BME) Church was established in the 1850s by freedom seekers and free Blacks. Many had resided in Wellington County since the 1820s, moving from the Queen's Bush area to the Essex–Nottingham neighbourhood of Guelph's welcoming English Methodist community. The growing congregation raised funds to purchase land in 1869 and built a wooden chapel here in 1870. In 1880, they laid the cornerstone and began construction of this limestone chapel. By 1881, Guelph's Black population numbered 107; the majority resided near the church. Throughout its history, this church played a key role as a meeting place for the Black community, fulfilling the spiritual and social needs of the congregation, providing a safe haven and representing a symbol of freedom. Over the years, ministers included Junius Roberts, Samuel R. Drake, Solomon Lucas and Mabel 'Addie' Aylestock — the first female BME minister. In 1975, the church closed due to declining attendance yet reopened from 1994-2009. In 2012, the Guelph Black Heritage Society purchased the church, which continues to service the broader community, while honouring the church's heritage. It is an important symbol of the history of the Black Methodist tradition and long history of Black settlement in Ontario. The plaque is now permanently installed in front of the church, today known as Heritage Hall, and is available for public viewing. Learn moreFind out more about the Ontario Heritage Trust and the Provincial Plaque Program. Stay connected Follow the Ontario Heritage Trust on Facebook, X, Bluesky, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. Subscribe to the Heritage Matters … more! e-newsletter. #ONheritage About the Ontario Heritage TrustThe Trust is committed to preserving our cultural and natural heritage and ensuring its continued relevance for future generations. We are working towards an Ontario where heritage is not only preserved and valued, but is celebrated, enjoyed and used as a source of inspiration. The Trust will be a beacon in an Ontario where heritage is preserved, protected and promoted in ways that are sources of pride for all Ontarians.
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- General
- Cision Canada
New provincial plaque commemorates the Guelph British Methodist Episcopal Church Français
GUELPH, ON, July 15, 2025 /CNW/ - The Ontario Heritage Trust, alongside the Guelph Black Heritage Society, has unveiled a new provincial plaque to the Guelph British Methodist Episcopal (BME) Church. This new provincial plaque tells the story of this building and how it fulfilled the spiritual and social needs of its congregation and Guelph's historical Black community. It was a meeting place, a safe haven and a symbol of freedom. People of African descent have resided in Guelph and Wellington County since the area was settled in the late 1820s. Black families in Upper Canada established homesteads, worked in a range of occupations and developed institutions of community life. In Guelph, the first Black congregation was formed in the 1850s. By the time of Confederation, the Black community had grown such that church services, once held in the private homes of worshippers, required a new public space. A wooden chapel was built in 1870, and the cornerstone of this limestone structure was laid in 1880. The BME Church became the centre of Guelph's Black community. Along with religious services, the church hosted programs and events that provided support and social opportunities that helped to teach life skills and literacy. Its story represents the resilience, drive and vision of Guelph's Black community and encompasses the long history of Black settlement in Guelph, in Wellington County and in Ontario. "This new provincial plaque to the British Methodist Episcopal Church, a cherished cultural landmark, is a tribute to the voices that history tried to silence. By preserving and celebrating our shared heritage, we ensure that future generations understand the struggles and triumphs that shaped our community." — Denise Francis, Guelph Black Heritage Society "The Guelph British Methodist Episcopal Church stands as a powerful symbol of perseverance, faith and community. This new provincial plaque pays tribute to those who built a place of refuge, belonging and hope in the face of adversity," said Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. "As we commemorate this historic site, we commend the Ontario Heritage Trust for its ongoing efforts to preserve our shared heritage and recognize the vital contributions of Ontario's Black communities." "The Guelph British Methodist Episcopal Church stands as a testament to the enduring strength of Ontario's Black communities. For generations, it was more than a place of worship — it was a cornerstone of civic and spiritual life. The Ontario Heritage Trust is honoured to commemorate its legacy with a provincial plaque." — John Ecker, Chair, Ontario Heritage Trust The plaque text reads as follows: A testament to the resilience of the Black community, the Guelph British Methodist Episcopal (BME) Church was established in the 1850s by freedom seekers and free Blacks. Many had resided in Wellington County since the 1820s, moving from the Queen's Bush area to the Essex-Nottingham neighbourhood of Guelph's welcoming English Methodist community. The growing congregation raised funds to purchase land in 1869 and built a wooden chapel here in 1870. In 1880, they laid the cornerstone and began construction of this limestone chapel. By 1881, Guelph's Black population numbered 107; the majority resided near the church. Throughout its history, this church played a key role as a meeting place for the Black community, fulfilling the spiritual and social needs of the congregation, providing a safe haven and representing a symbol of freedom. Over the years, ministers included Junius Roberts, Samuel R. Drake, Solomon Lucas and Mabel "Addie" Aylestock — the first female BME minister. In 1975, the church closed due to declining attendance yet reopened from 1994-2009. In 2012, the Guelph Black Heritage Society purchased the church, which continues to service the broader community, while honouring the church's heritage. It is an important symbol of the history of the Black Methodist tradition and long history of Black settlement in Ontario. The plaque is now permanently installed in front of the church, today known as Heritage Hall, and is available for public viewing. Learn more Find out more about the Ontario Heritage Trust and the Provincial Plaque Program. About the Ontario Heritage Trust The Trust is committed to preserving our cultural and natural heritage and ensuring its continued relevance for future generations. We are working towards an Ontario where heritage is not only preserved and valued, but is celebrated, enjoyed and used as a source of inspiration. The Trust will be a beacon in an Ontario where heritage is preserved, protected and promoted in ways that are sources of pride for all Ontarians. SOURCE Ontario Heritage Trust
Cision Canada
24-04-2025
- Cision Canada
Indulge your curiosity and discover your province with Doors Open Ontario in 2025 Français
TORONTO, April 24, 2025 /CNW/ - Doors Open Ontario is the perfect way to explore Ontario's historical hidden gems this year! The Ontario Heritage Trust supports municipalities and other groups across the province to present Doors Open Ontario events in their communities each year, providing visitors and locals with opportunities to explore behind normally closed doors. In 2025, you can explore 32 participating communities — starting with Guelph on April 26 and finishing with Niagara-on-the-Lake and Whitby on October 18. Is there an old local building that you've always wondered about, or a heritage structure that has caught your eye on your travels? Are you looking for that perfect photo moment inside an inspiring historical space? Or maybe you're a history buff looking to learn more about intriguing heritage sites. Doors Open Ontario provides you with access to places and the freedom to explore that you can't get any other way. Plan your adventure via the Doors Open Ontario website. It's your destination to learn more about Doors Open events happening this year in your community and all around the province. New sites and events are added to the website each month. "Ontario is your province, and Doors Open Ontario is the key that unlocks hundreds of its fascinating historical sites," said John Ecker, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Heritage Trust. "Every year, Doors Open Ontario provides you with an opportunity to explore what makes Ontario special — and this year will be no exception." "Doors Open Ontario is a unique opportunity to explore the rich and diverse heritage that defines our province," said Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. "I encourage everyone across Ontario to take part and discover the remarkable sites that have helped shape our communities and our collective story." Indulge your curiosity and find a Doors Open Ontario experience near you. 2025 community event dates are as follows. April Guelph (April 26) May Oshawa (May 3) Hamilton Region (May 3-4) Along the Grand (May 10) Richmond Hill (May 10) Toronto (May 24-25) June Whitchurch-Stouffville (June 7) Ottawa (June 7-8) Loyalist Township (June 14) Owen Sound (June 21) August Seaforth (August 1-2) Burlington (August 9) St. Marys (August 9) Cornwall and SDG Counties (August 16-17) Rideau Lakes (August 16-17) September Belleville (September 13) Peterborough (September 13) Simcoe County (September 13) Aylmer and Area (September 20) Gravenhurst (September 20) Markham (September 20) Waterloo Region (September 20) London (September 20-21) Aurora (September 21) Barrie (September 27) Mississippi Mills (September 28) October Quinte West (October 4) Sault Ste. Marie (October 4) Woodstock (October 4) Niagara-on-the-Lake (October 18) Whitby (October 18) Date to be confirmed Brampton TD Bank Group is the presenting sponsor for the program. Doors Open Ontario is also supported by thousands of volunteers in communities and at sites provincewide whose service makes these events possible. Learn more Find events and plan your Doors Open Ontario experience by visiting the Doors Open Ontario website. About the Ontario Heritage Trust The Ontario Heritage Trust (the Trust) is an agency of the Government of Ontario. The Trust conserves, interprets and shares Ontario's heritage. We conserve provincially significant cultural and natural heritage, interpret Ontario's history, celebrate its diversity and educate Ontarians of its importance in our society. The Trust envisions an Ontario where we conserve, value and share the places and landscapes, histories, traditions and stories that embody our heritage, now and for future generations. SOURCE Ontario Heritage Trust
