Two distinct geographic communities emerged, one near Concession and Upper Wentworth Streets and the other around St. Paul’s African Methodist Episcopal Church on Cathcart Street in Ward 2, which was originally a log structure.
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What we know today as Stewart Memorial Church was first built in 1848 and was a clapboard structure (long, thin boards used to cover the walls and roof). The congregation of St. Paul's African Methodist Episcopal Church moved to John Street after a fire in 1879.
In 1905 the neo-Gothic facade we see today replaced the original clapboard structure. The church struggled but saw the depressions years through thanks in part to Reverend John C. Holland. In 1937, it was renamed in honour of Reverend Claude A. Stewart.
The congregation is still going strong today. Thanks to everyone at Stewart Memorial Church for inviting us into their church, sharing their stories and history, and continuing this important legacy in Hamilton's Black community.
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