The R. Nathaniel Dett BME Church National Historic Site
The Niagara River provided a fairly accessible route for escaped slaves to make their way to the Niagara Penninsula of Upper Canada. During the 1800's, many refugees came to the community. In 1814, an African Methodist Episcopal congregation was formed. It continued to grow rapidly as escaped slaves poured into the area by means of the Underground Railroad.
In 1836, the Black community constructed a clapboard church at Fallsview.(present day Niagara Falls) The church was damp and chilly due to mist that was produced by the thundering Falls all year 'round.
Oliver Parnell, a successful refugee, donated a more hospitable site for the church in 1856. The church was moved from the original site by being rolled on logs. The congregation became a founding member of the British Methodist Episcopal Conference. The church was named for Robert Nathaniel Dett, who was a famed composer of sacred music in the 1900's.
Thornton and Lucie Blackburn
Thornton and Lucie Blackburn were arrested in Detroit for fleeing slavery. Their supporter's resistence to having them returned to the south started Detroit's first race riot. The couple escaped and fled to Upper Canada. They reached Toronto in the 1830's.
Thornton started Toronto's first cab company. He was well-known and respected by business associates as well as within the Black community. The Blackburn home is the only residence documented that was built by Underground Railroad refugees in the City of Toronto.
Thornton and Lucie Blackburn are designated personsof historical significance. The honor was bestowed upon them in recognition of their achievements. The couple represent the many refugees who integrated into Canada's urban life.
The AME Nazrey Church National Historic Site
In 1848, the church was both heart and soul of the Black community. It was in this year that the Underground Railroad refugee community began to build a stone chapel in Amherstburg, Upper Canada. The fieldstone walls are hand-laid and the structure is a prime example of the excellent workmanship of that era. It is historically significant for its' connection to Bishop Willis Nazrey, who led numerous African Methodist Episcopal congregations to the newly formed British Methodist Episcopal Church, a denomination established by Canadian Underground Railroad refugees. This newly formed association allowed the refugees to govern the churches in their new communities.
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