Salem Chapel, located at 92 Geneva St., was built in 1855 and was an important centre of nineteenth century abolitionist and civil rights activity in Canada. Harriet Tubman, famous for her role in helping African Americans escape slavery in the United States, lived near the chapel between 1851 and 1858 and is traditionally associated with the chapel. Salem Chapel became an important community space for Black Canadians.
Book a tour
Visit Salem Chapel to book a guided tour. You must book in advance if you'd like a guided tour of the Chapel.
History of the chapel
St. Catharines played an important role in the underground railroad. When Tubman arrived in 1851 with eleven freedom seekers, she met Reverend Hiram Wilson at the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which later became her place of worship. For the next seven years, Tubman helped enslaved African Americans escape to Canada, specifically St. Catharines.
The church was initially known as "Bethel Chapel" African Methodist Episcopal. It was a small log building constructed by African-American freedom seekers. In 1853, it was decided that a larger church was needed to assist the growing Methodist congregation in the City. The larger church was completed in 1855.
In 1856 it was decided that African Methodist Episcopal Churches in Canada would change their name to establish their own distinct identity. At the Canadian General Conference in 1856, some of the churches changed their name to the British Methodist Episcopal Church. The African Methodist Episcopal Church in St. Catharines became known as the British Methodist Episcopal Church-Salem Chapel.