- by Marie Tudor

I am a member of the British Methodist Church in Owen Sound. This church is of historical significance and was and still is the center for the community life of the descendants of the early black settlers of the Owen Sound area. The church was designated in 1985 as an Ontario Heritage Building in Owen Sound, by Lieutenant Governor Lincoln Alexander. The history of the church is intertwined with the roots of the City of Owen Sound, and is a vital part of Owen Sound’s history. We, the congregation, need the community’s help to restore the church, particularly the roof. We have had a significant amount of rain in the last few weeks and this is continuing to cause major water damage to the walls and the floors of the church.

Owen Sound’s British Methodist Episcopal Church has been serving the spiritual needs of its congregation for almost 150 years. Established in 1851, the British Methodist Episcopal Church was, from its inception, a safe haven for Blacks during the time of the Underground Railroad and after. It offered a sense of community through its many church-affiliated groups and activities. Sydenham Village (now Owen Sound) was a link in a series of missions by religious organizations that dotted across Ontario. The escaped slaves, who reached Canada, were passed on from mission to mission along the “Underground Railroad Routes”.

In Sydenham Village, early church services were held in different places throughout the new settlement. A lay preacher, “Father” Thomas Henry Miller, the son of a slave, informally served the congregation in 1851. He was the co-founder of the BME Church as well as the Co-founder of the continuous historical Emancipation Day event. Recently a commemoration of “Father” Thomas Henry Miller was held at Harrison Park; and the 161st Emancipation Day Festival took place this August 6, 2023 at Harrison Park , Owen Sound.

The church continues to serve a vital congregation that gathers every Sunday for church service. We provide an inclusive space and welcome all community members to join including the homeless, not only for the service but also for lunches and socialization. In the last couple of years we have taken part in “Doors Open” and have attracted many visitors to the church. Every year many people come, particularly descendants of the slaves from all over Canada and the United States. They have gathered at the church for service and fellowship followed by the Emancipation Day picnic at the park with a variety of entertainment including music provided by Bobby Blackburn, a direct descendant and native of Owen Sound.

Over the years many of our members have passed on and the church has been struggling financially to maintain its building. At this point the church requires extensive renovations to salvage the building and to sustain and protect its history. Furthermore, I should mention again, the history of the church is intertwined with the roots of the City of Owen Sound, and is a vital part of Owen Sound’s history. We the church members are reaching out to the community for assistance as there is an urgent need for the following work to be done on the church building. The following are estimates we have gathered for the various projects:

Mold Removal -$40,000

Basement Improvement -$10,000

Accessible Ramp -24,325

Roof - 48,568

Kitchen Windows/ Kitchen Door - $12,665

TOTAL - $135,558

We are reaching out to you in our community to support us as the church needs to raise the above sum in order to sustain and maintain the heritage church building and its history. Your support is key and will surely make a great impact. If you have any questions or need further information please contact: Marie Tudor- 226 974 0168, [email protected].

 We have have set up a Go-Fund me account - British Methodist Church Repairs Fund - for anyone who wishes to donate.

With warm regards,

Pastor - Allan Tobey

Associate Pastor - Cosmos Dzuda

Marie Tudor - Coordinator