TIME MACHINE
The timeline feature offers an interactive journal of key milestones in history that relates to the rich history of the Oro African Methodist Episcopal Church.
CINCINNATI RIOTS
WILBERFORCE SETTLEMENT
ELIZABETH “LISS”
RIO DO OURO
CATALAN ATLAS
MANSA MUSA
FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW
ORO AME CHURCH
RICHARD PIERPOINT
ACT AGAINST SLAVERY
The Oro A.M.E. Church was designated as a National historic site on 11-15-2000.
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 as well as Loyalists who served in the American Revolution 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 defense of Canada in the 19th century.
Source: Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, Minutes, June 2000.
“It is not taboo to go back and fetch what you forgot.” Sankofa teaches us the importance of learning from the past to build the future. In Akan language, Sankofa is expressed as “so wo were fi na wosan kofa a yenki”. The translation of this African proverb in English expresses, “It is not taboo to go back and fetch what you forgot.” Sankofa teaches us the importance of learning from the past to build the future.
The Oro AME Church is one of the oldest log cabin churches, built by people of African descent still standing in North America. A Mecca site to inspire leadership, operational excellence, and pathways for Freedom for people of the African Diaspora and the World.
PLAN YOUR VISIT TODAY
Visit the Oro African Methodist Episcopal Church to explore its historical significance and architectural heritage. Review our many open community tour dates for 2025 to gain insight into this important landmark and its role in preserving the legacy of Black settlers in Canada
Click the button below to view the calendar of open tour dates for visiting the church site. Open Tours Season: May 24th to October 31st 2025. Suggested donation: $20 (Donations funds help pay our docents and staff historians)