I'm writing this today to ask for any information that any NOTH member may have on the early history of Oro Township, Ontario, Canada.

The Oro-Medonte Township History Committee is looking for anecdotes, family stories, memories and photographs particularly pre-1950 pertaining to the African Episcopalian Methodist Church on the corner of the Old Barrie Road and the 3rd Concession of Oro Township. Of particular interest are photographs showing the church prior to the circa 1945 restoration, and any pertaining to any earlier restoration, as well as photographs or historical documents pertaining to Elder Mark Bush and particularly of his house, which stood on Lot 11, 6th Concession of Oro Township. The AME Church is a Canadian National Historic Site, and the Committee is interested in writing a second book on it's history.
The church was build in 1849 by black pioneers who were awarded land as service to the crown during the war 0f 1812-14. The first time that land was specifically awarded to Black Settlers.
The first settlers arrived circa 1819.
If you or any member of your family are descended from either the Scottish, English or Black settlers of early Oro Township, I would be pleased to accept any information you would be willing to share.
This is a project near to my heart, as my father maintained the church from 1947 until his death in 2003, and he and several other township residents are the only reason the building is still standing.
If you have information you would like to share please message me, and I will help you liaise with the Committee.
If you are interested in the story of the church the first book is online and available at this link:
Included are some anecdotes from my Dad.
http://www.ourroots.ca/e/toc.aspx?id=4340

Below is a picture of my Great Uncle Alf (Albert Walter Hutchinson) and his friend Elder Mark Bush at the Oro Fair circa 1909

Tags: AME Oro Township Black History