Edward Roy Cassell Smith sometimes imagines his ancestors rejoicing in the balcony of the Salem Chapel, where freed slaves first came to worship nearly 170…
The small church in St. Catharines — once the home congregation of abolitionist Harriet Tubman — has been a special place for Black Canadians for decades, says Smith, and renovations that are nearing completion mean it can soon share its history with others again.From our newsroom to your inbox at noon, the latest headlines, stories, opinion and photos from the Toronto Sun.By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
“I would love for every Canadian to know about this chapel and the history of the Underground Railroad in Canada, which is often forgotten,” said Bush. “In Canada, once you were out of the southern states, you were travelling by foot, by carriage, but most times by train. You would cross the suspension bridge , and then you would get out at the depot in St. Catharines,” Bush said.Article contentChurch-goers gather outside Salem Chapel in St. Catharines, Ont. in a handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS
Conductors on the Underground Railroad, like Tubman, would tell the refugees to head to the Salem Chapel, said Bush. Chapel community members would then help the newcomers settle in, provide clothing and food, and find work.Article content That same year, the federal government approved a $100,000 grant for the church. With further help from private donors and a GoFundMe campaign, Bush said the church has been able to renovate deteriorating parts of its building. It also upgraded security with the installation of cameras and a fence.Article content
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