Sandwich First Baptist Church turns 180 years old

Members of the Sandwich First Baptist Church marked the 180th anniversary of the church on Sunday byoffering a free community meal to the public followed by a"special ceremony."

Thechurch isone of the oldest active black churches in Canada and played a key role in the Underground Railroad by providing shelter to slaves seeking freedom in Canada.

The border location of Windsor andSandwichmade it an idealdestination for escaped slaves.

"We have survived 180 years and we're still standing," saidLana Talbot, historian and coordinator of Sandwich First Baptist Church.

"I'm one of the Underground Railroad [descendants] and I love it. I'm glad I am who I am," she said.

According toHenry Green, the pastor atthe church,the marking of the 180th anniversary "testifies the courage and determination of the members."

National Historic Site

The church has been visited by a number of prominent historical figures from black history, including Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglas and John Brown.

The church was designatedunder the Ontario Heritage Act in 1995 for its connectionto the anti-slavery movementanddesignated a National Historic Site in 2000.

The construction of theSandwich First Baptist Church was completed in 1851, 30 years after the originalchurch in the same location was built.

Talbot said she hopes a museum can be built to honour the history of the church.

"I hope it lasts another 180 years," she said. "I hope our youth will pick up the torch and carry on."