Editor’s note: This letter is addressed to Rt. Rev. Dr. Chester A. Searles, head of the BME Church of Canada.
Sir: As a pastor who has served in the Presbyterian Church in Canada for nearly 25 years, I know that a church is far more than a building; it is the people that sit in the pews that turn a set of walls into a place of worship.
At the same time, a building does form a vital part of a congregation’s life and service. It is their safe haven, a place to worship regularly and comfortably and a visible presence of their dedication to God.
North Buxton Community Church is more than an old building and much, much more than an ordinary church. Its history is rich with Christ’s story of salvation. Many of the early settlers were slaves who finally found a place to call home in that small community. They were refugees fleeing an untenable and unjust existence who were received with open arms and made to feel at home. The church within the community of North Buxton represents the Christian love that received them, and the place where they continue on serving Christ in love.
The British Methodist Episcopal Church’s decision to evict North Buxton Community Church from that building is incomprehensible. It is an insult to the community and a slap in the face of those who have worshiped, served and maintained the facilities. Furthermore, it effectively erases an important part of the history of breaking the bonds of slavery, and Black history in general.
To use the building for anything other than a worship space and a part of living history is absolutely ludicrous. There is no logic than can justify or explain your denomination’s decision.
I have no direct stake in the life of North Buxton Community Church. I do have a great interest in promoting Black history and the victories won against slavery as represented within that congregation. With that in mind, I ask that you reconsider your decision to evict those good and faithful servants from their spiritual home.
I would further ask that you donate the building to the village of North Buxton so that they can continue to worship and keep history alive as part of the larger museum complex.
John A. Giurin
Minister
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
Coldwater, Ont.
