Several news outlets covered the restoration and the historic re-opening of the 174-year-old Fugitive Slave Chapel at Fanshawe Pioneer Village.
PHOTOS: Fugitive slave chapel's new home, Fanshawe Pioneer Village
The 19th century-built African Methodist Episcopal church, also known as the fugitive slave chapel, officially opened to visitors on Thursday at its now home, Fanshawe Pioneer Village. A landmark in local Black history, it has been restored since being moved there last fall from its former Grey Street location.
Fugitive Slave Chapel rehomed and restored at Fanshawe Pioneer Village
After a long fundraising campaign and a trip from London, Ont.’s SoHo neighbourhood to the northeast end of the city, the Fugitive Slave Chapel has opened in its new home. Originally built in 1848 at 275 Thames St., the chapel, originally known as the African Methodist Episcopal Church, was used as a sanctuary and meeting place for African Americans who had escaped slavery through the Underground Railroad.
After 175 years, London's once-derelict fugitive slave chapel is resurrected
Rescued first from obscurity and then the wrecking ball, dozens of volunteers and history buffs gathered on Thursday to pay tribute to a once-derelict church for fugitive slaves that has now found its second coming as a living artifact. The chapel, built in 1848 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, served as a gathering and worship space for London's Black community until 1869.
For James Schree, whose family has connections to the little chapel that played a big role in the city's history, it was good to see the building restored — serving once again as a place for community gathering and learning.
Photo credit: Fanshawe Pioneer Village