Historic Black Church in Canada Faces Loss of Heritage Status
The Beth Emmanuel British Methodist Episcopal Church in London, Ontario, one of Canada's oldest Black churches, may lose its heritage designation after its owner applied to repeal it. The church, built between 1868 and 1871, served as a gathering place for people who escaped slavery via the Underground Railroad.
One of Canada's oldest Black churches is at risk of losing its heritage designation after its owner filed an application to repeal it.
The Beth Emmanuel British Methodist Episcopal Church in London, Ontario, was built between 1868 and 1871. It has held full heritage designation since 1983 and served as a place of worship and community gathering for Black Canadians, including those who fled slavery via the Underground Railroad.
The British Methodist Episcopal Church, based in Toronto, applied on April 9, 2026, to repeal the designation. The building is also listed for sale at $1.2 million, including an adjacent vacant lot. The listing suggests the property could be converted into rental units.
Pastor Philip Omondi of the House of Destiny Church, which leases the building, plans to oppose the application. His congregation, largely composed of Londoners of African heritage, views the church as a vital historical site and community hub.
Heritage advocates, including Benjamin Vazquez of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, also oppose the repeal. They describe the church as a crucial landmark tied to London's Black community.
The 30-day period for objections ends May 9. City committees are scheduled to review the application in June and July.
