Amherstburg in Essex County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Amherstburg First Baptist Church
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L’Église de la First Baptist Church D’Amherstburg
Photographed by Tim Boyd, May 15, 2026
1. Amherstburg First Baptist Church/L’Église de la First Baptist Church D’Amherstburg Marker
Constructed by 1848-1849, at a terminus of the Underground Railroad near the United States border, this church offered sanctuary to African Americans fleeing slavery and helped foster a distinctive Black Baptist tradition in Ontario. Its compact, open auditory plan made it a fitting home for a growing congregation. Under the leadership of escaped slave and abolitionist Anthony Binga Sr., this Mother Church of the Amherstburg Regular Missionary Baptist Association supported the development of other Black communities and provided leadership roles for African Canadians at a time when such opportunities were rare.
Érigée des 1848-1849, à l'un des terminus du chemin de fer clandestin sur la frontière américaine, cette église offre l'asile aux Afro-Américains fuyant l'esclavage et aide à la création d'un culte baptiste noir en Ontario. Son plan compact et dégagé, en forme d'auditorium, en fait un lieu bien adapté pour cette congrégation grandissante. Sous la direction de l'esclave fugitif
this page online
Erected by Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Architecture. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.
Location. 42° 6.16′ N, 83° 6.335′ W. Marker is in Amherstburg, Ontario, in Essex County. It is at the intersection of George Street and Murray Street, on the right when traveling south on George Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 232 George Street, Amherstburg ON N9V 2E8, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Southwest Ontario Area and in Southwestern Ontario. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Rupert’s Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Nazrey African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); Lt. - Colonel William Caldwell (approx. half a kilometer away); Christ Church 1819 (approx. half a kilometer away); The Great Sauk Trail (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Park House / La Maison Park (approx. 0.6 kilometers away);
Photographed by Tim Boyd, May 15, 2026
2. Amherstburg First Baptist Church/L’Église de la First Baptist Church D’Amherstburg Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 22, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
