I was just wondering how did the AME church get to Canada and when? Also did we go to Mexico, do we have churches in Mexico.

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2001

Answers

I am at present on my way to Edmonton, Canada and will be staying untill August 13, 2001 there (Ramada Hotel). I would like to hear from any Pastor in Edmonton or close by. I have been perusing our periodicals to determine any existence ofpour

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2001

This message replaces the one posted. It was incomplete!

I will be in Edmopnton, Canada from July 24 - August 13, 2001. I have a similar question: How many churches (if any) exists in Edmonton and also in Canada? If there is a Pastor close by or in Edmonton, please contact me. I am in the Ramada Hotel.

Is there any way that our church can set up new work (Mission) in these areas?

God Bless.

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2001

I want to share this info I just received from one of my A.M.E sisters. She sent me info about S.R. Drake Memorial Church in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. The pastor is Rev. William R. Osborne. This is a brief history of the church in their words "Some american run-away slaves fled to Upper Canada via the underground railway system and settled in groups along the Grand River. Those who belonged to the african methodist episcopal church formed the society of coloured methodist. During the mid 1800"s they worshipped in private homes within Brantford. The society organized schools for their children, as blacks were excluded from public ones. Brantford eventually became the nucleus of the African Methodist Episcopal circuit, stretching from the Huron County and area to London. The Rev. James Harper served the region. In 1856 the canadian wing of the african methodist episcopal conference changed the name of their denomination from african to british in order to give their places of worship a greater canadian identity. Plus the new name also protected the congregations from fear of being recaptured by american slave owners or their bounty hunters. One of the members of the church was Andrew Lucas and ex-slave of Stonewall Jackson's estate. He lived to be more than 120 years old.

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2001

What an interesting story, there is just scads of history that we do not know about , isn't there? Reverend Rogers, I have been meaning to share this with you for some time: I do "Personal Assistant" work for senior citizens, one of my "cases" was a 93 year old retired caucasian school teacher that had broken her arm and needed help getting a shower and dressed, etc. Her daughter was here in Bakersfield, California to stay with her mother until she gets to where she is able to maneuver around better, the daughter lives in Bozeman, Montana! I asked her if she had heard of you there in Bozeman, she said she had heard of you, had seen you but never met you, she went on to say you were very outspoken and was not intimidated! ha! ha! Her name is Alice Jandt, she was a teacher also. This is certainly a small world isn't it? I know you will enjoy and be blessed at your Annual Conference. Sincerely, Barbara Ransom

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2001

It is indeed a small world! I laughed when I read that the daughter said I was outspoken;-)I head a human rights organization and I have indeed been OUTSPOKEN! I have been outspoken when the KKK came to my town, I have been outspoken when the Aryan Nation has threatened people. I have been outspoken when the Grand Dragon of the pacific northwest has moved to my region. YES! I have spoken out against racism and neo-nazis groups. I am the only african-american clergy in my town. God bless you!

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2001

Reverend Rogers,

It is good to know that you are willing to speak out against the activities of the hate groups that you encounter in your vicinity. I want you to know that I will be praying for you and with you as you continue your work in the ministry in that area, for "men ought always to pray and not to faint." Luke 18:1.

Sincerely, Reverend Sheron A. Stocker, St. John A.M.E. Church, Pine Bluff,AR Twelth Episcopal District, The Right Reverend Richard Allen Chappelle and Mother Barbara Jean Chappelle, Presiding Prelate and Supervisor

-- Anonymous, July 25, 2001

Rev. Stocker thank you for your prayers and kind words. But all of us as A.M.E's are speaking out and saying the name of Jesus. I think of the ex-slaves who traveled by darkness to Canada and started churches. I think of clergy and laity in the cities, dealing with drugs, gun violence and Aids, I think of those in war torn countries, I think of our sisters and brothers in african-countries who speak out against injustice towards all people. Rev. Stocker I think of you in Arkansas and the challenges that you too must face. My beautiful state of Montana that I love dearly has always been a haven for white supremacist groups. But it has also had A.M.E churches here since the very beginning of state hood. I would like to think my church is just continuing the work of our ancestors. By the way the reason I presented the initial question about Canada, is because Canada borders Montana. Keep up the good work for our lord and savior in you part of the country and may blessings upon blessings fall upon you for your kindness.

-- Anonymous, July 25, 2001

I seem to remember reading that Bishop Paul Quinn establishing churches in Canada (before he was elected a bishop, of course, and it may have been before he was admitted to the AME Church. There was some who did not want to accept Bishop Quinn). I've been looking for the source.

Blessings

Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, July 26, 2001

We just came out of Annual Conference in Canada, I will send you a more detailed history on the Canadian Conference later in the week.

-- Anonymous, July 30, 2001