The Salem Chapel, British Methodist Episcopal Church NHS
Welcome to the Salem Chapel Sanctuary of History. Briefly...
Africans were captured and transported to the United States (US) in 1619 and Canada in 1628, to be used as slaves. The issues surrounding the African enslavement sparked many debates in both countries. By 1790, several northern states had abolished slavery. Governor John Graves Simcoe introduced anti-slavery legislation in 1793 that would gradually emancipate all enslaved people in Upper Canada. It also meant that any escaping slaves from the US would be free, once they landed on British soil. Slavery ended throughout the British Empire on August 1, 1834. Almost 30 more years would pass before it would end in the US.
People of African descent began settling in the St. Catharines area around 1788. They brought their religion with them. Many were followers of Rev. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism who was a staunch abolitionist. They also followed Bishop Richard Allen, the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. An AME Society was established in St. Catharines between 1814 & 1820 and a small chapel was built to serve the faithful in the Queenston Street area. When construction on the first Welland Canal (1824-1833) began, most of the community relocated to the Geneva, Welland and North Streets area.
The Underground Railroad (UGRR) was in operation when slavery was abolished throughout the British Empire in 1834. The UGRR was an established network of people known as "abolitionists" who opposed slavery. It was neither underground nor a railroad. It was "underground" in the sense that it was a secret resistance movement. Abolitionists were also known as anti-slavery activists. They were humanitarians of all races who were opposed to slavery and helped African Americans escape from bondage. The abolitionists were putting themselves at risk by participating in the illegal and unlawful UGRR activity.
The AME worshippers purchased Land in 1835 on North Street from abolitionist businessmen, William Hamilton Merritt and Oliver Phelps to build specifically, an "African Methodist Episcopal Church". This church would be the second in St. Catharines. It would house about 70 people and it was located in the center of the African Canadian community.
In 1837, this group sent a petition to the AME Conference in the United States (US) asking for pastoral care. As a result of this action, AME missionaries stationed in Canada West were instructed to regulate the existing Societies, organize more in other regions and also communicate that "… they shall be subject to the order of the Bishops, and amendable to the Annual Conference of the New York District." The following year, the AME New York Conference organized a church in St. Catharines with forty members and two local preachers. It was named Bethel Chapel.
After the US Congress introduced the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, many free and escaped African Americans relocated to various parts of Canada West. The Black community in St. Catharines was increasing rapidly with so many refugees arriving by way of the UGRR. It was soon realized that a larger church was needed to accommodate the growing AME congregation. As a Methodist meeting house, the Salem Chapel also provided aid and temporary shelter to the newly arrived African Americans. It would also host many anti-slavery meetings. Built by African American freedom seekers, the construction for the third and present church began in October 1853. With its 195 members in attendance, Bishop Daniel Payne of Cincinnati publicly dedicated it to the service of Almighty God on November 4, 1855.
In less than one year, most of the AME Churches in Canada would separate from the AME Conference in the US. They wished to identify themselves more closely with British ideals and government and many of the AME Church members in Canada refused to attend the AME Conferences in the US because of the fugitive slave laws. Gathering in Chatham, Ontario in September 1856, they formed the British Methodist Episcopal (BME) Church.
In 1837, this group sent a petition to the AME Conference in the United States (US) asking for pastoral care. As a result of this action, AME missionaries stationed in Canada West were instructed to regulate the existing Societies, organize more in other regions and also communicate that "… they shall be subject to the order of the Bishops, and amendable to the Annual Conference of the New York District." The following year, the AME New York Conference organized a church in St. Catharines with forty members and two local preachers. It was named Bethel Chapel.
After the US Congress introduced the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, many free and escaped African Americans relocated to various parts of Canada West. The Black community in St. Catharines was increasing rapidly with so many refugees arriving by way of the UGRR. It was soon realized that a larger church was needed to accommodate the growing AME congregation. As a Methodist meeting house, the Salem Chapel also provided aid and temporary shelter to the newly arrived African Americans. It would also host many anti-slavery meetings. Built by African American freedom seekers, the construction for the third and present church began in October 1853. With its 195 members in attendance, Bishop Daniel Payne of Cincinnati publicly dedicated it to the service of Almighty God on November 4, 1855.
In less than one year, most of the AME Churches in Canada would separate from the AME Conference in the US. They wished to identify themselves more closely with British ideals and government and many of the AME Church members in Canada refused to attend the AME Conferences in the US because of the fugitive slave laws. Gathering in Chatham, Ontario in September 1856, they formed the British Methodist Episcopal (BME) Church.
Harriet Tubman
The most celebrated member of the Salem Chapel is the legendary Underground Railroad "conductor", Harriet Tubman. During the height of the UGRR movement, Tubman also fled to Canada because of the American fugitive slave laws.
Harriet Tubman’s last stop along the UGRR was St. Catharines, Canada West. She was a frequent resident between 1851-1861 and a highly revered member of the community. When living in St. Catharines, Harriet Tubman attended the Salem Chapel, BME Church. From St. Catharines, Tubman would return to the South to rescue those who were daring enough to escape from bondage.
Harriet Tubman’s last stop along the UGRR was St. Catharines, Canada West. She was a frequent resident between 1851-1861 and a highly revered member of the community. When living in St. Catharines, Harriet Tubman attended the Salem Chapel, BME Church. From St. Catharines, Tubman would return to the South to rescue those who were daring enough to escape from bondage.
Standing on Hallowed Ground!
1926 Annual Conference members at the Salem Chapel
Many scholars believe that the Salem Chapel, British Methodist Episcopal Church is the oldest known and former African Methodist Episcopal Church in Ontario.
After the completion of a two year restoration project, Bethel Chapel was rededicated and renamed the Salem Chapel in June 1957.
The Salem Chapel, BME Church remains today as a tribute to the faith and industry of the brave settlers of African American descent. In 2000, the church was designated a National Historic Site by the Government of Canada.
The Salem Chapel continues as a religious institution. The small congregation consists of people from diverse ethnic backgrounds along with several UGRR freedom seeker descendants.
We are Christian, in our beliefs... Methodist, in our approach... Episcopal, in our organization. We are a church that is committed to sharing God’s love, Christ and His Word and the living power of the Holy Spirit.
The Sunday Worship Service begins at 11:00 a.m. ALL ARE WELCOME!
The Salem Chapel, BME Church NHS is a Sacred Destination international tourist attraction. Tours are by appointment only.
"I never met with any person, of any color, who had more confidence in the voice of God, as spoken direct to her soul. She has frequently told me that she talked with God, and He talked with her every day of her life, and she declared to me that she felt no more fear of being arrested by her former master, or any other person, when in his immediate neighbourhood, than she did in the State of New York, or Canada, for she said she never ventured only where God sent her, and her faith in a Supreme Power truly was great."
Thomas Garrett testimonial letter to Sarah Bradford about Harriet Tubman, 1868
Thomas Garrett testimonial letter to Sarah Bradford about Harriet Tubman, 1868