Slideshow image

On September 9, St. Jude’s Book Club members did an Underground Railroad field trip nearby, exploring amazing stories of courage, faith, and resilience in our Parish.   Having read In the Upper Country—Kai Thomas’ fictional account of the Underground Railroad, a nineteenth century network aiding those escaping slavery—the previous month, the group wanted to find out more about former enslaved Africans who made their way here and allies who assisted them. The Oakville Museum’s exhibit on Black History in Oakville, a terminus of the network, and multi-media film presentation on the Underground Railroad, gave the group insight into acts of bravery among allies (settlers and Indigenous) and those escaping to freedom, as well as Abolitionists who had helped them on their journey north.  Particularly poignant was learning about Branson Johnson, an African-American who arrived in Oakville with his family in 1855: his Certificate of Freedom from Maryland and pocket watch (where it had been hidden for many years) were on view.

The group heard about individuals successfully establishing themselves and their families locally, in the nineteenth century, as well as addressing some struggles they encountered. The field trip continued with a walking tour, led by Museum guide Rob McCoy, on Navy Street of important highlights of the neighbourhood's involvement with the Underground Railroad, sheltering those who arrived at great personal risk. The visit was extended with a walk across the bridge to see Turner Chapel, the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church where former enslaved residents worshipped and flourished in our community.  Discussed, in closing, was Harriet Ross Tubman, called “Moses” for her faith-infused leadership of freedom efforts to Ontario.  Her empowering motto, “Keep going”, resonated with Book Club members seeking to keep these important stories alive.

The Book Club continued to explore themes of resilience, and how small acts of resistance can help combat injustices, in its last book, chosen by convener Amanda Judd, The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel, set during the Holocaust of World War II in Europe.

All are welcome to join the Book Club (no registration required): its next meeting will be October 7 to discuss Family Family by Laurie Frankel, looking at themes of adoption, blended families, modern parenthood and belonging.

To learn more about Oakville’s role in the Underground Railroad:

  • Freedom, Opportunity and Family: Oakville’s Black History Exhibit at Oakville Museum (Erchless Estate, 8 Navy Street)
  • Turner AME Chapel (now antiques, 37 Lakeshore Road West): 
  • Pioneer and Slave Burial Grounds: (16 West Street, south of Lakeshore Road): “Bronte Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in Oakville and the final resting place of some of Bronte's first African American settlers. Philip Sovereign, one of the earliest Oakville settlers, deeded the east corner of his farm for a cemetery, specifying it be for people of "all orders, sects, nations and parties." 

Building Community
St. Jude's Book Club