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Here from the beginning

Black people have played a significant role in the history of The United Church of Canada, but their stories have often gone untold. As we commemorate the

we invite you to join us in bringing these untold stories to life.

“Here from the Beginning” is an exhibition that showcases the contributions and experiences of Black people within the church, amplifying voices that have long been overshadowed by the dominant narrative.

This is a celebration of faith, history, community and The United Church of Canada.

Inauguration service of The United Church of Canada in Toronto 1925
Courtesy of The United Church of Canada Archives
The congregation of Union United in Montreal, c. 1941.
Courtesy Broadview Magazine from Union United Church Archives
Some of the Black people at first meeting of Northern Spirit Regional Council in 2019
Black Clergy Network 2024
Methodist preacher William Black preached to approx 260 Black people in Burchtown, Nova Scotia, in 1784

Our Planning Team

These are the members of the amazing planning team for this exhibition

Rev. Marlene Britton

Rev. Franklyn James

Julie Graham

Rev. Adam Kilner

Rev. Dr. Lloyd Nyarota

Rev. Thérèse Samuel

Rev. Dr. Paul Douglas Walfall

Chairperson

Get Involved

Here from the beginning,

Get ready to be part of something extraordinary!

We’re shining a light on the untold stories of Black people in The United Church of Canada. As we gear up for the 100th anniversary in 2025, we’re announcing “Here from the Beginning” – an amazing exhibition celebrating Black individuals’ remarkable contributions and experiences within the church. It’s time to amplify these voices and showcase their incredible impact on our faith, history, and community. We need your support to make this project a reality.

Let’s tell history together!

We need your help. There is little or no documentation of lay Black people’s involvement in the church at the congregational level in Canada. This is where you come in! If there have been lay Black people you know or knew who were or are currently involved in the work of the church, help us tell their stories. Think through stories and direct experiences you’ve had with Black people whose stories you want to lift up. What’s needed:

  • First, approach the person for consent, or their loved ones if the person you want to honour has died.
  • The names of the persons (including date of death where applicable).
  • A short narrative (no more than 100 words) about their involvement in the work of their community of faith.
  • A picture of them.
  • Paragraph of up to 100 words, and a photo if possible.

Please send these to Rev Paul Douglas Walfall: herefromthebeginning@gmail.com

Updates

Exhibition Opens
July 27 - August 2
in Edmonton

More dates and venues to be announced

January 31

Second edits of exhibition completed.

February 6

Exhibition information submitted for French Translation

Join us in making history together!

Donate now using this link
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/121450
or use QR code

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