The African Methodist Episcopal Church of Oro

Photos by Alan L Brown - Posted July, 2009

Plaque Location

The County of Simcoe
The Township of Oro-Medonte
On Old Barrie Road West
at 3 Line North, 4.4 km east of Highway 93

Coordinates: N 44 30.160 W 79 38.180

Plaque Text

Built in 1849, this church is the last vestige of one of the oldest African-Canadian settlements in Upper Canada. Here at Oro, former members of the Loyalist militia from the War of 1812 established the only Black community sponsored by the government. Free Blacks from the northern United States later joined them. Located in the heart of a strategic and vulnerable region, the community guarded against an American invasion via Georgian Bay. This church is a testament to the contribution of African Canadians to the settlement and defence of Canada in the 19th century.

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Here are the visitors' comments for this page.

Posted February 13, 2012
Yes, you can see in the windows. There isn't much inside. About 8 rustic pews and an Alter. The Plaques are the most interesting part of the location since the building burned down and was rebuilt. Sorry, I fon't know anything about any family you are looking for.
Regards, Mark Thompson (great grandson of George Thompson)

Posted December 5, 2011
Can you see in the windows?

Posted August 3, 2010
I'm trying to find a Famely That lived on Con 2 Lot 40 but I cant find This famely.It was the Overs Famely and we where told they were in the black settlement in Oro. But this site gives me some information but no lots.If any one as any information on this famely they can e-mail me .I'm trying to do a famely tree.Youre site his very nice and help some. Thank You Norma

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