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Stewart Memorial Church today.14 December 2004
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Photo by Roger Ferreira
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St. Paul's African Methodist Episcopal1900
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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From its earliest inceptions, one of the most important institutions in the Black community has been the church. Even in today's secular world, the Black church fills a yearning not only for spiritual fulfillment but also a need to feel part of a larger community outside of oneself. First established in 1835 as St. Paul's African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), Stewart Memorial continues to be a force in the community today.4
Stewart Memorial Church Today. Detail of Roof.8 December 2004
Stewart Memorial Church, John St. Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Photo by Roger Ferreira
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Plaque designating Stewart Memorial Church as an Ontario Heritage site.14 December 2004
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Photo by Roger Ferreira
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Altar and Pews.14 December 2004
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Photo by Inessa Petersen.
Courtesy of Stewart Memorial Church
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While many early Black churches across Ontario have been lost through population attrition or lack of interest, Stewart Memorial endures. The history of Stewart Memorial Church is really the story of the Black community of Hamilton. Through numerous incarnations, trials and successive waves of immigration to the city, the community, like the church, has slowly grown in strength and numbers.8
Current Church pamphlet.14 December 2004
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Photo by Inessa Petersen.
Courtesy of Stewart Memorial Church
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