African Methodist Episcopal Church

African Methodist Episcopal Church. , [London Public Library Board marker text:] , The "Fugitive Slave Chapel”, one of two churches built by London's Black community before 1855. In 1858 the abolitionist, John Brown, addressed a meeting here, soliciting support for the movement which led to his raid on Harper's Ferry, Virginia, October, 1859., This plaque erected by the London Public Library Board, 1986., [additional marker text:] , African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1848-1869 , Historic Sites Committee of the London Public Library Board, Plaque No. 29, This plaque was erected at the site of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) at 275 Thames Street, London, by the London Public Library Board on August 11, 1986. It was then believed locally that the famous American abolitionist, John Brown, had visited London in 1858. His goals were to free enslaved Black people in the United States, whose ancestors were stolen from Africa, and also to recruit men and gather weapons from Black communities in Canada West, to support the movement., Brown held a convention in Chatham, Ontario, in May 1858 which adopted a constitution for the emancipated Black community that would be created after his revolt. The story of Brown's visit to London was shared over thirty years after the event, and has not yet been confirmed by contemporary sources. Apparently, Brown was scheduled to speak at one of London's Black Churches, either the British Methodist Episcopal Church on Thames Street (the AME Church in Canada had become the BME Church in 1856) or the Second Baptist Church on Horton Street., History can keep its secrets for a very long time. Perhaps a source will be found that proves John Brown spoke in London about his dreams for the abolition of slavery, and his plans to achieve that end.