Events & Exhibits > Nazrey Church

The Nazrey African Methodist Episcopal Church was formally organized by Reverend Noah Cannon in 1848. It was built by former slaves and free Blacks to replace the log cabin which had functioned as a church since the 1820s. It was named after Bishop Willis Nazery (with slightly different spelling) who preached throughout Canada. The Church also functioned as interim housing and as a school.

Today, the Church is an honoured part of the Museum complex, standing with its modest but powerful presence as a keystone in Black heritage. Complete with hand-laid fieldstone, the Church is a fine example of the chapels typical of the genre.

Visitors are invited to examine its architecture, enjoy its interior, and discover its enduring appeal as a gathering place. Restored and deemed a National Historic Site of Canada in 1999, the Church continues to serve for weddings and other private events, Museum exhibits and activities, and community events.

The Nazrey is Canada's first Black national historic site, and is one of the oldest African Methodist Episcopal churches still standing in Canada.