A piece of history is deteriorating in Oro-Medonte, but now the township is reaching out to try and save it, by turning to crowdfunding.
The Oro African Methodist Episcopal Church stands at the corner of Old Barrie Road West and Line 3. Built in 1847, the church is a national historic site and it's in very rough shape.
“We know we need about $140,000 just to get the minimum done,” says Oro-Medonte Mayor Harry Hughes.
The Township of Oro-Medonte is appealing to the public to save the church, which represents the last remnant of a community of African Canadians who settled here. The township’s restoration fundraising campaign has raised a little over $55,000 with donations.
“There's an interest right across our entire nation,” says Hughes. “We're getting donations from Newfoundland, British Columbia.”
Joan Mackenzie of Red Deer, Alta. is a descendant of one of the original black settlers, who offered up $5,000.
“It's my family history,” says Mackenzie. “It's important to us because first of all we've been to the area and we've seen it and just feel a connection to that.”
The Hitchhouse, a local business, made a large donation to the campaign and issued a challenge.
“We donated $25,000 to the African church and our challenge is for other businesses to match or better our donation,” says Tom Stoate.
The township continues to apply for government grant money, but to date hasn't received any. Descendants of those who helped build and shape the African community over 150 years ago say they have faith this invaluable piece of Canadian history will once again be restored to its original beauty.
Those interested in donating money can visit the township’s GoFundMe page for more information.
