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05 15 2014 Special Heritage Committee Agenda Township of Oro-Medonte Special Heritage Committee Meeting Agenda Council Chambers Thursday, May 15, 2014 6:00 p.m. Page 1.Adoption of Agenda: a) Motion to Adopt the Agenda. 2.Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest: 3.Communications: 2 - 80a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, Heritage Restoration, Project Management & Consulting, re: Cultural Heritage Assessment: Oro African Methodist Episcopal Church and Cemetery National Historic Site. 4.Next Meeting Date: Monday, June 30, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. 5.Adjournment: a) Motion to Adjourn. Page 1 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... CHA: ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT OAMEC RO FRICAN ETHODIST PISCOPAL HURCH AND CNHS EMETERY ATIONAL ISTORIC ITE PREPARED FOR TTO-M HE OWNSHIP OF ROEDONTE M2014 AY BY SMHC U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND VR.SHR, ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION PM&C ROJECT ANAGEMENT ONSULTING Page 2 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... S UMMARY Based on the findings of this Cultural Heritage Assessment, it is concluded that the National Historic Site known as the Oro African Methodist Episcopal Church and Cemetery continues to hold national, provincial, and local cultural heritage value or interest. Since the early 1940s, the site has undergone significant changes that have no historical or associative link to its heritage value. As such, an appropriate heritage conservation strategy for the site is to restore the log church building to its state at the close of its active use by the founding congregation in the 1920s. The appearance of the church at that date is best represented by a 1941 photograph shown in this report (or earlier photographs that may become available). Due to the extent of its current structural failings, and that its location at the road allowance now presents risks to its long term survival, dismantling and relocating the church to abutting Township owned lands should be part of the heritage conservation strategy. The conservation work should be undertaken by a heritage building specialist with expertise in th recording, dismantling, relocating, and restoring early 19 century log buildings. A licensed archaeologist should attend the site when necessary during the restoration work, to mitigate any disturbance to human remains and to monitor the subsurface for artifacts. All work is to comply with the Parks Canada Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada. It is further recommended that the property be evaluated for protection under the Ontario Heritage Act. Page 3 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT C ONTENTS S UMMARY PA:B ART ACKGROUND 1.0 ROSW EPORT BJECTIVE AND COPE OF ORK 2.0 SP UBJECT ROPERTY 2.1 LD OCATION AND ESCRIPTION 2.2 O WNERSHIP 3.0 HGL ERITAGE OVERNANCE AND EGISLATION 3.1 NHSD ATIONAL ISTORIC ITES ESIGNATION 3.1.1 GDNHSS OVERNANCE OF A ESIGNATED ITE 3.1.2 CRHP ANADIAN EGISTER OF ISTORIC LACES 3.1.3 CCSP APITAL OST HARING ROGRAM 3.2 OHA NTARIO ERITAGE CT 3.3 F,BCSA,2002 UNERAL URIAL AND REMATION ERVICES CT 4.0 PM ROJECT ETHODOLOGY 4.1 DR OCUMENTARY ESEARCH 4.2 OHI RAL ISTORY NTERVIEWS 4.3 CCB OMPARISON TO ONTEMPORARY UILDINGS 4.4 SI ITE NSPECTIONS 4.5 SC TAKEHOLDER ONSULTATION PB:F ART INDINGS 5.0 DR OCUMENTARY ESEARCH 5.1 FD OUNDING ATES 5.1.1 MEC ETHODIST PISCOPAL HURCH 5.2 EAUD ND OF CTIVE SE ATES 5.2.1 CB HURCH UILDING 5.2.2 C EMETERY 6.0 CR HRONOLOGY OF ENOVATIONS 6.1 P1940 RE S 6.2 1941 6.3 1943-1949C HANGES 6.4 1956C HANGES 6.5 1967C HANGES 6.6 1975R EFERENCE MHCVR.SHRM2014–5 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 4 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT 6.7 1979-1980C HANGES 6.8 1981TV RUCK ANDALISM 6.9 1984TP REE LANTING 6.10 1987FR LOOR EPLACED 6.11 2003R EFERENCES 6.12 2004VD AN AMAGE 7.0 CAC ONDITION SSESSMENT OF THE HURCH 8.0 TC HE EMETERY 8.1 CC HRONOLOGY OF HANGES 8.2 CAC ONDITION SSESSMENT OF THE EMETERY PARTC:AR NALYSIS AND ECOMMENDATIONS 9.0 SGHC TANDARDS AND UIDELINES FOR ERITAGE ONSERVATION 10.0 TCB HE HURCH UILDING 10.1 RAHC ECOMMENDED PPROACH TO ERITAGE ONSERVATION 10.2 TNDC HE EED TO ISMANTLE THE HURCH 10.3 TNRC HE EED TO ELOCATE THE HURCH 11.0 TC HE EMETERY 11.1 CC ONSERVATION OF THE EMETERY 11.2 AG VOIDING RAVESITES 12.0 OC THER ONSIDERATIONS 12.1 FS UTURE OF THE ITE 12.1.1 EHCR NDORSEMENT OF THE ERITAGE ONSERVATION ECOMMENDATIONS 12.1.2 FU UTURE SE 12.2 PUOHA ROTECTION NDER THE NTARIO ERITAGE CT 13.0 S UMMARY A PPENDIX D ISCLAIMER SCE UMMARIES OF REDENTIALS AND XPERIENCE E NDNOTES MHCVR.SHRM2014–6 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 5 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT CHA ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT OAMECCNHS RO FRICAN ETHODIST PISCOPAL HURCH AND EMETERY PA:B ART ACKGROUND 1.0 ROSW EPORT BJECTIVE AND COPE OF ORK Beginning in 2011, the Corporation of the Township of Oro-Medonte ("Township") and Victor R. Snow Heritage Restoration, Project Management, & Consulting (“Snow”) have held discussions about the state of the Oro African Methodist Episcopal church building and cemetery at the northwest corner of Lot 11, Concession 4, Oro Township (now Oro-Medonte Township). This landmark property is a National Historic Site. 1 In October 2013, Su Murdoch Historical Consulting (“Murdoch”) and Snow were retained by the Township out of continuing concern for the site, and particularly for the physical survival of the church building. This Cultural Heritage Assessment (“CHA”) was funded by the Township with assistance from the County of Simcoe. The objective and scope of work of this CHA are as prescribed in a Letter of Understanding between the consultants and the Township. Essentially, the objective is to recommend a heritage conservation strategy that will ensure the long term survival of the Oro African church and cemetery, based on these parameters: Preserving the heritage value and cultural heritage integrity of the site Complying with any existing governance and legislation Eliminating for the long term any risks to the site Consideration of stakeholder and community interest, including programming needs All work is to comply with the Parks Canada Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada. This CHA project was managed by members of the Township Council, Staff (Shawn Binns, Director Recreation and Community Services; Justin Hodgkinson, Community Recreation Coordinator), and the Township Heritage Committee (Oro African Church Subcommittee, Wayne Lintack as lead member). The assistance of these individuals and others who supported the project by agreeing to interviews and providing research information is appreciated. MHCVR.SHRM2014–7 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 6 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT 2.0 SP UBJECT ROPERTY 2.1 LD OCATION AND ESCRIPTION The Oro African Methodist Episcopal church and cemetery property is at the southeast corner of the intersection of Line 3 North and Simcoe Road 11 (also known as Old Barrie Road). This is a rural area west of the hamlet of Edgar in Oro-Medonte Township. Much of the area is in agricultural use. Simcoe Road 11 is a major thoroughfare through the Township, linking with Simcoe Road 93 and Highway 400 to the west, and Highway 11 at the City of Orillia to the northeast. Traffic on this road is steady, especially when the highways are congested. A significant amount of traffic is gravel trucks. This property contains a 1840s log church building, a historic cemetery with unmarked graves, and a 1947 commemorative stone cairn mounted with contemporary and later dated plaques. The front facade of the church faces west, fronting on Line 3 North, below the elevation of the road allowance. Its north facade is parallel to Simcoe Road 11, but lower in elevation than the road allowance. Due to previous vehicle accidents (and vandalism) at this intersection, the Township has aligned large boulders along the north and west facades in an effort to prevent vehicles from again damaging the church. th The vegetation on the property is a scattering of second growth trees, overgrown 20 century shrubs and plantings, and cut grass. An area south of the church was graded in the 1940s and is used periodically for parking. 2.2 O WNERSHIP On May 26, 1849, the owner of the west half of Lot 11, Concession 4, Oro Township, Noah Morris, transferred a one acre parcel of land at the northwest corner to the trustees of the "Colored African Episcopal Methodist Church in Canada" for use as a “chapel and burying ground.” This acre is the focus of this CHA. The use of the church for regular services may have ended in 1916 or the 1920s. The last interment was likely in 1949, indicating that use of the cemetery continued for several decades after the church building was abandoned. In November 1972, the Township passed Bylaw 999 under section 62 of the Cemeteries Act, R.S.O. 1970, Chapter 57, allowing the Township to take over for the purposes of "maintenance, management, regulation, and control," three cemeteries considered abandoned. The list includes the African Episcopal Church Cemetery. MHCVR.SHRM2014–8 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 7 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT View looking north along Line 3 North to the intersection with Simcoe Above: Road 11, showing south and west (L) facades of the church and the cairn, March 2014. The siding was removed in December 2013 and the church wrapped in protective Tyvek. (Courtesy Wayne Lintack) View looking west along Simcoe Road 11 showing north and east Below: facades of the church, and snow banks, March 2014. (Courtesy Wayne Lintack) MHCVR.SHRM2014–9 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 8 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT The church and cemetery are at the southeast corner of Line 3 North and “County” Road 11, as indicated by the arrow. MHCVR.SHRM2014–10 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 9 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT Simcoe Road 11 (Old Barrie Road) Log church with cairn to the south and cemetery to the east and south. The darker area is the Township original acre. right of way Privately owned building lot Line 3 North Aerial photograph showing outline of land owned by the Township of Oro-Medonte MHCVR.SHRM2014–11 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 10 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT A photograph of the church dated 1941 (shown next pages) was taken just prior to the first repairs undertaken by Oro Township and the County of Simcoe in response to the concerns of area residents about the deteriorated condition of the log church and state of the cemetery. In 1997, the Township took possession of the acre, arguing entitlement as it had maintained the property "since 1947." The Transfer/Deed of Land No. 1342659 registered on the property Title explains this "transfer is from municipality to itself to clarify title." To date, the legality of this transfer of ownership has not been challenged but some opinions suggest it may not withstand 2 scrutiny in court. Further information on this matter is available from the Township. For now, the Township is the property owner. The Township later acquired additional lands (shown previous page), the strategy being to provide a buffer to the one acre site. The land trade that transpired between the Township and the then adjacent property owner resulted in abutting lands on the south and east boundaries of the original acre, plus a right of way running south across the east boundary of the now Township owned lands and a privately owned building lot and then west to Line 3. The right of way wraps the east and south boundaries of the privately owned building lot fronting on Line 3. The private lot was sold in 2014 and the construction of a residential building is anticipated. 3.0 HGL ERITAGE OVERNANCE AND EGISLATION 3.1 NHSD ATIONAL ISTORIC ITES ESIGNATION The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada ("HSMBC") is under the jurisdiction of Parks Canada, within the portfolio of the Minister of the Environment. The mandate of HSMBC is to advise the Government of Canada, through the Minister, on the commemoration of nationally significant aspects of Canada's history. Following an evaluation process and recommendation by the Board, the Minister declares the site, event, or person to be of national historic significance under the Historic Sites and Monuments Act. An application to the HSMBC for National Historic Site ("NHS") designation was submitted by Township Heritage Committee member Tim Crawford on behalf of the Township. The HSMBC (Report No. 2000-06, 1998-SUA Dec) was compiled by the Parks Submission Report - Place Canada Historical Services Branch, Owen Thomas, Historian. It appears that this Submission directly incorporates much of the information provided by Crawford. Subsequent Report research indicates there are some inaccuracies in the HSMBC Report but these are not substantial enough to change or revoke the NHS designation. The site was designated in 2000 by the HSMBC as the "Oro African Methodist Episcopal 3 Church National Historic Site of Canada." The NHS commemorative statement describes this "last built remnant of a community of African Canadians whose roots are uniquely anchored in the history of United Empire Loyalists, it represents the important role that Black militiamen played in the defence of Upper Canada during the War of 1812, and early Upper Canada land policy.” The "Components of Property" are the "Church and Unmarked Cemetery." The MHCVR.SHRM2014–12 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 11 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT "Boundaries of Site Proposed for Designation" are described as "The property boundaries are fenced and clearly distinguished from the ploughed farm land on both sides of the church's corner lot." 3.1.1 GDNHSS OVERNANCE OF A ESIGNATED ITE While a NHS designation helps to focus public attention on a particular site, it does not affect ownership of the site or provide protection against destruction. There are no restrictive covenants or governance on the property resulting from the NHS designation. It is purely commemorative, with plaques erected on the site to mark the designation and describe the reasons for the commemoration. The following plaque wording summarizes the national significance of the site: Built in 1849, this church is the last vestige of one of the oldest African-Canadian settlements in Upper Canada. Here at Oro, former members of the Loyalist militia from the War of 1812 established the only Black community sponsored by the government. Free Blacks from the northern United States later joined them. Located in the heart of a strategic and vulnerable region, the community guarded against an American invasion via Georgian Bay. This church is a testament to the contribution of African Canadians to th the settlement and defence of Canada in the 19 century. The reasoning for this commemorative only approach is that protection of heritage property not owned by the federal government is the responsibility of each provincial and territorial government under its respective legislation. Only provincial and territorial governments have jurisdiction over private property, which enables them to pass and enforce legislation extending legal protection to properties deemed to hold cultural heritage value or interest. In Ontario, this legislation is the Ontario Heritage Act. 3.1.2 CRHP ANADIAN EGISTER OF ISTORIC LACES The Canadian Register of Historic Places (historicplaces.ca) was an initiative of Parks Canada to compile an online public database of all heritage properties in Canada that have some form of legislated protection, including NHS commemoration. Entries on the Register have a standard format under the headings of Description of Historic Place, Heritage Value, and Character- Defining Elements. These are extrapolated from whatever document governs the property, but are not a substitute for the original wording of that document. The Oro African Methodist Episcopal Church property is listed in the CRHP database. The source of information is given as the HSMBC minutes of June 2000. Although the NHS governance is commemorative only, the synopsis of the Character Defining Elements in the CRHP is an indicator of where value is placed: MHCVR.SHRM2014–13 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 12 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT West (front) facade, 2013 Top: South facade, 2013 Centre: South and east (R) Left: facades, 2013 The west vestibule has been removed and the entrance altered; the chimney was relocated to the east gable in 1943; the siding was replaced in 1956; window sashes, cedar shingles, and concrete foundation are replacements. MHCVR.SHRM2014–14 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 13 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT East and north (R) facades, 2013 Above: North facade, 2013 Below: MHCVR.SHRM2014–15 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 14 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT Interior looking east toward Left: pulpit. The chimney is in the 1943 location; the ceiling, floor, and some of the pews are replacements. The pulpit has been reduced in size and the design reworked. The wainscoting is original. Interior looking northwest. The Below: window frames are original but the sashes are replacements. MHCVR.SHRM2014–16 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 15 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT Character Defining Elements Key elements contributing to the heritage value of this site include: the location just east of the old Penetanguishene Road; the pastoral nature of the site with the church as focal point in the grassed landscape of the unmarked burial ground; the church with its rectangular footprint and single-storey massing under a gable roof; its minimalist detailing, including the single door centred on a gable end and two evenly spaced, relatively large multi-pane windows on each side elevation; its open volume interior. This description of the character defining elements was considered in the development of the heritage conservation strategy proposed by this CHA. 3.1.3 CCSP APITAL OST HARING ROGRAM Where Parks Canada does exercise some influence on the conservation of a National Historic Site is through its periodic Cost Sharing Program available only to NHS designated sites. Only project proposals that comply with the Parks Canada publication, Standards and Guidelines for , qualify for funding. the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada The availability of funding through the Cost Sharing Program was announced in December 2013 with the deadline for applications set at January 27, 2014. As the dire condition of the Oro African church had just been revealed in December and the building immediately closed to the public, the Township sought much needed assistance through this Program. When the application was submitted, the need to dismantle the church building was identified. The potential need to relocate the church had not been thoroughly analyzed and was not included in the application. The application was denied in April 2014 with a verbal explanation that the funding review board had some concerns about dismantling being part of the heritage conservation strategy. It is disappointing that the application was reviewed and the decision made without any direct inquiry by Parks Canada to the Township’s heritage consultants for a fuller explanation of the rationale for dismantling. No Parks Canada representative undertook a site visit or attended the presentation of findings meeting held in April. It seems the decision to decline the application had already been made by that date. It is unfortunate that this decision was seemingly based on policy, void of any appreciation that measures such as dismantling are sometimes necessary if a cultural heritage resource is to survive. When a log structure is changed to such an extent that it is at risk of collapse, as being experienced by the Oro church, recording, dismantling, and accurate reassembly are sometimes necessary to restore structural integrity and authenticity. MHCVR.SHRM2014–17 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 16 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT As explained in this CHA, the recommendation to begin the restoration by dismantling the church was thoroughly considered within the framework of accepted principles of heritage conservation. The Township has no choice but to attempt to proceed without any financial assistance, guidance, or monitoring by Parks Canada. Other sources of funding are being explored, as is the practicality of proceeding in the immediate future given the lack of Parks Canada funding. 3.2 OHA NTARIO ERITAGE CT The Ontario Heritage Act ("Act") enables the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation and municipal Councils or approval authorities to protect real property for cultural heritage value or interest reasons. It also provides for the identification and protection of archaeological resources and areas of archaeological resource potential. For properties considered to hold provincial significance, Regulation 10/06: Criteria for Determining Cultural Heritage Value or Interest of Provincial Significance must be applied. For properties considered to hold municipal level significance, Regulation 9/06: Criteria for Determining Cultural Heritage Value or Interest must be applied. If found to have significance as prescribed by the relevant criteria, the property can be protected by an Order under s.34.5 (provincial) or by a bylaw under s.29 (municipal) of the Act. In practice, the Minister delegates the first right to protect a property to the municipal level. The Act also provides for Heritage Conservation Easement Agreements under s.22 where the Ontario Heritage Trust (a provincial Crown agency) is involved, and s.37 when a municipality is involved. The purpose of an easement is to set mutually agreed to Terms and Conditions for the stewardship and conservation of property of cultural heritage value or interest. The easement is registered on Title against the real property affected. It is enforceable and continues in perpetuity unless revoked by both parties. As the Township is the property owner, either an easement with the Trust or with a “Friends of the Oro African Church” type organization could be considered. The church and cemetery property has not been evaluated for protection under the Act. Based on it already being designated a National Historic Site and given the known significance of the property, this evaluation and protection seems long overdue. The Township is aware of its obligations under the Act, and under provisions of the Planning Act, regarding the need for archaeological assessment when any soils are disturbed. In this instance, archaeological fieldwork and mitigation will be required if any proposed work has the potential to disturb gravesites. MHCVR.SHRM2014–18 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 17 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT 3.3 F,BCSA,2002 UNERAL URIAL AND REMATION ERVICES CT In 1972 by bylaw, the Township assumed responsibility under the Cemeteries Act for the "maintenance, management, regulation, and control" of the Oro African cemetery, which at that date was considered abandoned. As of May 2014, the cemetery had not been officially “closed” as prescribed by the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002 (the successor to the Cemeteries Act). Under the Act, the Township continues to have obligations to maintain these cemetery lands and not permit the disturbance of any gravesites. 4.0 PM ROJECT ETHODOLOGY To achieve the CHA objective of recommending a heritage conservation strategy, it was necessary to document the evolution of the site, analyse the current physical condition of the church building, and inspect the cemetery. Su Murdoch was responsible for the documentary research as it pertains to the historical evolution of the church, cemetery, and site. Victor Snow was responsible for the physical analysis of the church building. Much of the work regarding the cemetery was undertaken by Township Heritage Committee, African Subcommittee, member Wayne Lintack, a former employee of the Ministry of Natural Resources who has expertise in natural landscapes. The recommendations in this CHA are based on these documentary and physical evidence findings. 4.1 DR OCUMENTARY ESEARCH The documentary research involved consulting sufficient source material to confirm the date of construction of the church, determine the period of active use of the site by the founding Black congregation, document renovations, and find evidence about the cemetery. This information was used to identify the period of highest cultural heritage value and formulate an appropriate heritage conservation strategy. The intent of this CHA was never to further document the history of the Wilberforce Settlement, which first brought Black settlers to Oro Township in 1819, or the genealogies of those settlers. Much of that information is well documented by Gary E. French in his publication, Men of Colour: An Historical Account of the Black Settlement on Wilberforce Street and in Oro . Township, Simcoe County, Ontario, 1819-1949 In addition to , secondary sources such as by the Township of Men of ColourThe Story of Oro Oro (1972; revised 1987), by W. Allen Fisher (1973), and Legend of the Drinking GourdThe Oro , Tim Crawford, Editor (1999), were reviewed. African Church Primary sources included the Abstract of Title and related instruments for the subject property, Township files for the Oro African Church, Simcoe County Council minutes (held by Simcoe MHCVR.SHRM2014–19 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 18 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT County Archives), the Edgar and Clowes Women's Institute Tweedsmuir Histories, online databases, and other references. (See citations throughout this report.) 4.2 OHI RAL ISTORY NTERVIEWS The Oro African Church Subcommittee of the Township Heritage Committee, notably member Wayne Lintack, was instrumental in finding information about the site and Black settlers in Oro. This process began with the Township distributing through Canada Post as unaddressed mail, 3,400 flyers appealing to the public for information and for artifacts from the site. The same appeal was published in the Township Recreation Guide, 8,600 copies of which were circulated to areas residents and businesses. General information about the site was sent in two additional guides, both at 8,600 copies, and posted on the Township website. Lintack conducted several interviews with descendants of the Black settlers and long time area residents, who responded to the appeal and gave subsequent leads. The result is a Township file of information about the interaction of the community with the site and a few descriptions of the appearance of the church, cemetery, and site features in living memory. A synopsis of the interview findings relating directly to the church and cemetery was provided by Lintack to the project team and some information is integrated into this CHA. 4.3 CCB OMPARISON TO ONTEMPORARY UILDINGS Wayne Lintack also took the lead in visiting some of the original Black settler grant locations in Oro, as documented in . The purpose was to determine the existence of early Men of Colour Black settler associated buildings that may provide a useful comparison in building technology and materials to the log church. His findings are the start of a register of properties of cultural heritage value or interest as prescribed by s.27 of the Ontario Heritage Act. Victor Snow and others visited Oro church buildings contemporary to the Oro African church. Images of African church buildings in online databases such as the Canadian Register of Historic Places, National Historic Sites roster, United States National Trust, and Library of Congress were viewed for comparison to the Oro example. 4.4 SI ITE NSPECTIONS In 2011 and again on June 28, 2013 (prior to the start of this CHA), Snow conducted a preliminary site visits. Once retained to undertake this CHA, his objective was to provide a comprehensive structural analysis and condition assessment of the church building and make recommendations for its conservation/restoration. MHCVR.SHRM2014–20 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 19 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT A draft was compiled by Chronology of Significant Alterations to the Oro African Church Murdoch in December 2013 (the findings are integrated into this CHA report). On December 12, Snow and his crew removed the 1956 exterior siding from the church and examined the structure in detail. Based on their expertise, the original construction and changes over time were identified. The documentation in the was used to confirm Snow’s estimated Chronology dates of changes made to the church since about 1943. Snow submitted a preliminary Condition in January Assessment and Recommendation for the Restoration of the Oro African Church 2014(see section 7.0 of this CHA report). The nature of restoration work is that the site inspection identifies the major areas of concern and the overall heritage conservation direction. It is only when the work begins and problem areas are revealed, that specific restoration remedies are formulated and applied. The restoration work had not begun when this CHA report was being compiled. 4.5 SC TAKEHOLDER ONSULTATION Consultation is important to determining the perception by stakeholders of the significance of a heritage site and its future use. The consensus and the independent opinions are used to determine whether to invest, in this case, in the restoration of the church building, improve the state of the cemetery, and accommodate any educational museum type programming. The stakeholders in this project were identified as the Township of Oro-Medonte, the County of Simcoe, Oro-Medonte residents, Oro Black settler descendants, African Canadian heritage organizations, the Simcoe County community, local tourism associations, Parks Canada, and other heritage interest groups and individuals. On October 28, 2013, Murdoch attended a Township Heritage Committee meeting to outline the scope of work, solicit member input, and organize for stakeholder consultation. At that date, the comprehensive site inspection of the church building by Snow had not been undertaken. There was general agreement among the Council, Staff, and Committee members who attended that the site is worthy of conservation and that any work undertaken must not compromise its NHS status. There was no definitive discussion on plans for its future use beyond the current activity of being open to the public on occasion for tours and events. Township Heritage Committee, African Church Subcommittee, member Tim Crawford was 4 instrumental in having the site designated a National Historic Site. From the start of this project, Crawford has maintained that the church needs only minimal intervention. Although he did not attend key committee meetings or the stakeholder consultation on April 16, 2014, during which the project findings were presented, it is understood that he continues to object to the recommendations of this CHA and has been proactive in voicing his concerns. Three individuals known to have interest and knowledge of the site were contacted by Murdoch in December 2013. These are Gary French, author of and a long time proponent Men of Colour MHCVR.SHRM2014–21 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 20 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT of the preservation of this site and Simcoe County history; James Hunter, former Curator of Huronia Museum in Midland, who has knowledge of area archaeology; and Mark Fisher representing the interests of Simcoe County Historical Association and Barrie Historical Association. Their opinions and suggestions are integrated into this CHA. Township Councillor and Heritage Committee member John Crawford, Wayne Lintack, and Victor Snow met informally with some descendants of the Black settlers at a meeting in Collingwood. A package of information about the proposed (preliminary) heritage conservation measures was provided. Some descendants responded with questions about the project. On learning of the Oro project, some individuals and organizations with similar interests contacted the project team. Of note is The Fugitive Slave Chapel Preservation Project (fscpp.ca) which is fundraising to relocate and restore a former British Methodist Episcopal church building in London, Ontario. The announcement in December 2013 of the Parks Canada Cost Sharing Program with a deadline for applications set at January 27, 2014, accelerated the decision making. It also precluded any opportunity for broader stakeholder consultation in advance of the submission deadline. A stakeholder meeting was conducted on April 16, 2014. The results are integrated into this CHA. PB:F ART INDINGS 5.0 DR OCUMENTARY ESEARCH 5.1 FD OUNDING ATES The date of construction for the Oro African church and the founding date for the cemetery are usually given as 1849. Further research suggests that the documentation used to determine this date might have been misinterpreted. The use of the one acre for a "chapel" may be closer to 1845 and as a "burying ground" possibly earlier. The choice of 1849 is believed to be rooted in the May 26, 1849 date of the legal transfer of a one acre parcel of land at the northwest corner of the west half of Lot 11, Concession 4, Oro Township. The transfer was from the property owner, Noah Morris, to the trustees of the "Colored African Episcopal Methodist Church in Canada." Morris was a Black settler who arrived in Oro in 1829, moved to the west half of Lot 11 that year, and received the Crown Patent in March 1840. An examination of the documents registered on Title confirms that Morris mortgaged his property in June 1845 but in January 1846 had the acre at the northwest corner (the church and cemetery site) released from the mortgage. The reason given is that he was conveying the acre MHCVR.SHRM2014–22 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 21 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT to the trustees of a “Religious Society of Colored African Episcopal Methodist Church in Canada” for use as a "Chapel and Burying Ground." This January 1846 date for the mortgage release suggests that the use of the acre for a chapel and burying ground was considered, or in place, between June 1845 and January 1846. He legally transferred the acre on May 26, 1849. Gary French postulates that the cemetery could have first served as a burial site by Morris and other area Black family members. The first Black settlers arrived in 1819; Morris arrived in 5 1829. 5.1.1 MEC ETHODIST PISCOPAL HURCH The history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (“AME”) is also relevant to the likely date of construction of the Oro church. The American based African Methodist Episcopal Church was founded in 1816 (but is unofficially much older). “Societies” of the AME existed in Canada at least as early as 1826 but the first American AME missionary was sent to Canada in 1832. In 1840, the AME conference was held in Toronto and a committee was formed shortly after to consider the founding of the AME in Canada. In January 1846, Noah Morris released the acre to the trustees of a “Religious Society of Colored African Episcopal Methodist Church in Canada.” The term "religious society" is in keeping with the organizational structure at that date, but the name "Colored African Episcopal Methodist Church in Canada" seems to be in anticipation of the formal founding of the Church in Canada. It was 1856 when the British Methodist Episcopal Church ("BME") was founded as the Canadian version of the American AME. In Oro Township, there were two early clergymen known to have Black settlers in their pastoral charge. Both were resident during the early years of the church and cemetery. The Reverend Ari Raymond and his wife were sent to Oro Township from Chatham in October 1838 by the Congregational Church Mission in Boston. This marks the founding of Bethesda Congregational Church in Oro. Raymond acquired part of Lot 10, Concession 3, Oro. According 6 to : The Story of Oro By 1841 he had built a home for themselves, part of which was a mission to which pupils flocked from far and near. Those from a distance brought bed and provisions with them and remained all week. By 1841 a church of five or six members, two of which were Negroes, was organized with services being held at the Raymond Mission. That was the beginning of the Congregational Church in Conc. 3 of Oro. This building burned in 1845 and everything was lost. MHCVR.SHRM2014–23 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 22 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT By this time the Negroes had a minister of their own sent them by Conference. They had built a log church and managed their own affairs. In 1846 the Raymonds had built another home and services were held in their kitchen for 7 many years. That building is part of the house now standing on Lot 10, Conc. 3. According to French, "Raymond was a brother of the sewing machine manufacturer and was described by a contemporary as A Clever Kind of a Yankee. A good carpenter. Genial, kind, youngish man. Calvinist." In his 2013 Condition Assessment, Snow comments that the craftsmanship suggests someone trained in building construction and/or carpentry likely supervised construction of the log church. Although conjecture, this supervisor may have been Raymond. The Reverend R.S.W. Sorrick was an AME missionary in Oro from 1845 to 1847. His arrival coincided with the loss of Raymond's building to fire. Sorrick was present in January 1846 when Morris had the acre withdrawn from his mortgage and used the name “Religious Society of Colored African Episcopal Methodist Church in Canada.” The following account is attributed to Sorrick in Benjamin Drew’s A North-Side View of Slavery. The Refugee: or the Narratives of Fugitive Slaves in Canada. Related by Themselves, with an Account of the History and 8 : Condition of the Colored Population of Upper Canada, 1812-1903 I came into Canada in 1845. Stopped at Toronto, where I found the colored people prompt, doing well, ready to help. I went to Oro, where I found some fifty persons settled; many comfortable and doing well, but many suffer a great deal from poverty. I showed them about agriculture, and instructed them as far as my limited learning would go. When I came away, many were poor, but they were not vicious: I never lived among a more teachable people. I never knew a fight among them or their children. The worst fault was, some tendency to slander each other: but they have been instructed by the missionaries to read and write. On leaving Oro, I came on to the conference in Hamilton, where I have principally made it my home, since 1847, although I have been absent a portion of the time in Canada East. On April 18, 1996, The British Methodist Episcopal Church Conference of Canada provided 9 documentation to Russell, Christie, Miller, Loughan, legal counsel for the Township. This submission from the BME was prompted by the initiative of the Township to take legal possession of the church and cemetery lands. The BME documentation begins June 2, 1849, and includes an entry of expenditures for "Oro." Later documents include expenditures for the Oro "station" (parish) and Sabbath School. Although not conclusive, this indicates an 10 involvement in Oro at least as early as 1849 (before it was known as BME). MHCVR.SHRM2014–24 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 23 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT 5.2 CAUD LOSE OF CTIVE SE ATES 5.2.1 CB HURCH UILDING When considering the cultural heritage value and historic integrity of a property, it is important to determine the closing date of active use. This divides the history and physical characteristics of the building into its original intent and significance later periods that may or may not hold vs. significance. For the Oro church, this meant determining the closing date of its active use by the founding Black congregation. The last dated document provided to the Township by the BME in 1996 is the published minutes of the 1916 BME Annual Conference. This document is often cited as confirmation that the Oro church was officially abandoned by the BME in 1916. The Minutes for the "Seventh Day, Monday July 3, 1916," record, in part: Moved by Rev M Newsome, seconded by Rev H F Logan, that Bro Frederick Stewart be received as a candidate for the ministry. Carried. Report of Committee on Abandoned Church Property:– Moved by Rev W Newsome, seconded by Rev D Eady, that the report be received. Carried. Moved by Rev I H Edwards, seconded by Rev S D Smith, that the report of Church Property for 1916 be received, and dealt with in sections. Carried. Section 1 – sister Ida Bird's proposal Section 2 – Oro Church Property Section 3 – sale of Harrow Church Property There is confusion on whether the motion by Edwards is concerning the Report on Abandoned Church Property or a separate report on Church Property for 1916. As such, these minutes may not be confirmation that 1916 is the year of abandonment. There is a local belief that the church was abandoned in the 1920s. During an interview conducted by Lintack in 2013, Lena Simpson recalled that about 1937 she walked by a funeral at the church and she believes the service was held outdoors. Tom Hutchinson recalled in a separate interview that “when the cairn was being built” (1947-48) he and Joseph Ellesmere stored their bicycles inside the African Church in the northwest corner of the building while they were in school. “The vestibule was too small to store their bikes in and during that time the Church was not kept locked.” Commemorative services beginning in 1949 to celebrate the anniversary of the church founding, and occasional events such as weddings, continue periodically today. MHCVR.SHRM2014–25 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 24 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT 5.2.2 C EMETERY The last documented interments at the cemetery are Daniel Eddington "Eddie" and James Thompson. Eddie Thompson died August 28, 1945. His obituary notes he is to be buried at the 11 "African Cemetery, Edgar." In 2014, a descendant confirmed that when James Thompson died on December 18, 1949, he was interred at this cemetery. Further research is needed to determine if this is the last interment. As of May 2014, the cemetery is considered abandoned but not officially “closed,” as defined by s.88 of the Ontario Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002. 6.0 CR HRONOLOGY OF ENOVATIONS 6.1 P1940 RE S The December 2013 site inspection conducted by Snow revealed some clues about the early form of the church building, before renovations began in the early 1940s. More clues (and answers) will be revealed, as the restoration work is underway. The following have been discovered to date: The building technology and materials are comparable to other known log structures erected in the 1840s. A section of original mud chinking between the logs survives on the south wall only. Chinking is normally lime mortar. The use of mud is rare and may be indicative of the humble means of the builders and Oro congregation. Mud is problematic, as it deteriorates and needs periodic replacement. Weathering on the exterior of the logs suggests that these were exposed for perhaps one or two decades immediately after construction, then clad in clapboard. The gable ends above the logs were clad in clapboard from the start. This clapboard can serve as the template for the replacement siding over the logs. Some roof sheathing boards with whitewash visible in the attic are believed to be original interior ceiling boards. These can be used as the template for the replacement ceiling boards. MHCVR.SHRM2014–26 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 25 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT 6.2 1941 The above photograph of the north facade of the church is captioned on the reverse “Negro Church 1941.” It was taken by the late Mrs. Jean (nee Gilchrist) Blackstock and provided courtesy of her grandson Jimmy Blackstock. It is the earliest depiction of the church found during this CHA project and reveals its appearance before any renovations were undertaken by the Township of Oro starting in 1943. Of note are the centre location of the chimney, the fitted shutters, the vestibule on the west (right) end, the visible roof sheathing boards, clapboard siding, and corner stops. Some sag in the roof is evident. This image is believed to represent the look of the church, minus deterioration over time, at the close of its period of active use by the founding Black congregation in the 1920s. This appearance is recommended as the target period for restoration. 6.3 1943-1949C HANGES According to a 1940s article by "Mr. Hale," publisher of the newspaper: Orillia Packet and Times The Clowes Branch of the Women's Institute have begun a movement to reclaim and restore the little church at Edgar which was the place of worship used by the coloured MHCVR.SHRM2014–27 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 26 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT people who came from the United States for freedom and settled in this neighbourhood. This church is in need of repairs, if it is to be saved, and the interior equipment requires cleaning and repairing. . . . I am told that recently the old penitent bench in the church has been taken away by someone. That is a pity, as it was a priceless and unique relic. The Clowes Women's Institute Branch Tweedsmuir History contains an account titled "Restoration of the African Episcopal Church." It states, "Miss Euphemia McKay did much to arouse interest in the restoration of the African Church, primarily as a historic site." An article in the December 16, 1943 newspaper notes "$127 Contributed For Barrie Examiner Repair of Old Colored Church, Edgar." It lists contributions that include $25 from Oro Township Council, $20 from George McGregor, Victoria, B.C., $10 from E.C. Drury, Barrie, and several donations of one to five dollars: Volunteer work has also been given. The shingling has been nearly completed but there is much work to be done yet to put the church and cemetery in decent shape. Anyone wishing to give to this worthy cause should send contributions to W.R. Best, Secry.- Treas., Edgar, P.O. At the November 1946 session of Simcoe County Council, a Special Committee on the Coloured Church and Cemetery in Oro Township was appointed with members A.M Tudhope (Chairman), George Patterson, and A. Cumming. The Special Committee conducted a site 12 inspection of the church and cemetery on November 27, 1946. The published minutes of the January 1947 session of Simcoe County Council note the receipt 13 of correspondence dated November 21, 1946, from R.W. Thom of Collingwood, asking Council to consider the "condition and restoration of the old coloured church in Oro Township." Report No. 1 of the Special Committee was submitted to Council on January 23, 1947. The site inspection found that: The church, which is about 20 feet wide and 30 feet long, is built of hewed pine logs with clapboard siding, and was erected between 1832 and 1834 approximately. The local community and the Township of Oro have recently re-shingled it and built a chimney. In the cemetery there are about fifty graves without any markers. This church and cemetery is of great historic value and should be preserved, and your Committee is of the opinion that the responsibility for restoration and maintenance should be divided between the County of Simcoe and the Township of Oro. They would recommend that the County assume responsibility for the following: MHCVR.SHRM2014–28 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 27 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT Level up the church building and put a concrete foundation under it. Repair the siding where necessary. Repair and re-shingle the porch. Inspect the sleepers, and where necessary have them replaced, and repair the floor. Repair the seats and store them in the building. Put in three new windows with glass. Install a wooden tablet in the church with as many names of the early worshippers as possible. Straighten the chandelier and attach it to the ceiling. Erect a small cairn in the cemetery. (The pulpit and the railing around it are in a very good state of repair). And they would recommend that the following be assumed by Oro Township: Clean up the grounds and place a wooden marker at each grave. Provide future maintenance of the church and grounds. The next Special Committee report was submitted to Council on November 25, 1947. It describes the restoration and maintenance undertaken since January 1947: The Church building has been levelled and a concrete foundation placed under it. The porch has been repaired and re-shingled. New sleepers have been put in where necessary, and the floor repaired. A new ceiling has also been placed in the entire building. The old seats have been repaired and placed in the building. Three new window sash with glass have been put in, and the siding on the outside has been repaired where necessary. Some minor repairs on the inside of the building remain to be completed, such as straightening up the chandelier and attaching it to the ceiling. A stone cairn, with a granite tablet, has been erected beside the church, containing the family names of the early worshippers at the church. A portion of the cemetery grounds is covered with a second growth of young trees. All dead wood and rubbish in this area will be cleared out, and the trees left to grow. The clear part of the cemetery will be levelled in the spring and planted with ornamental trees. Your Committee recommends that a substantial fence be erected on the two sides of the cemetery plot adjoining the farming lands. Your Committee suggests that the thanks and appreciation of the Council be extended to Mr. Wm. Best, Edgar, for his valuable assistance in furnishing them with MHCVR.SHRM2014–29 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 28 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT the early history of the church, the family names of those who built the church and worshipped there, and particularly for writing a poem which vividly describes the reason why these people came to Canada, their settlement in Oro Township, the hardship and privations they patiently and cheerfully endured in the early days and the contribution they made to the County. This image dates to just after the roof was shingled and the chimney relocated to the rear (east) gable by the Township of Oro in 1943. The “porch” or vestibule on the west facade has not yet been “straightened out.” (Image Source: , Tim Crawford, ed., 1999, The Oro African Church p.15) MHCVR.SHRM2014–30 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 29 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT August 1949: Clowes Women's Institute Branch members cleaning the th church and painting windows prior to the August 14, 1949, 100 Anniversary Service. (Source: Clowes Tweedsmuir History, Simcoe County Archives) MHCVR.SHRM2014–31 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 30 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT th The image of the church shown above was taken for the 100 Anniversary Service held on August 14, 1949. The following renovations had just been completed: Exterior building has been levelled new concrete foundation vestibule has been straightened, repaired, reshingled 3 new window sash with glass replaced siding repaired (not replaced) stone cairn erected (new roof and relocated chimney were done in first phase of renovations) Interior new sleepers where necessary and floor repaired (possibly by turning over worn boards) new ceiling throughout old seats repaired chandelier straightened and attached to ceiling minor interior repairs pulpit and railing found to be in "good repair" and presumably not changed MHCVR.SHRM2014–32 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 31 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT The unpublished minutes of the Special Committee meeting of May 14, 1948, indicate the following: They recommend that the seats in the church be braced and strengthened in a more substantial way and that a door be put on the porch. The Township of Oro will level the cemetery and thin out the brush on the part that is covered with underbrush and it was suggested that about half of the area of the cemetery lot is fenced \[before it\] reverted to the owner of the adjoining farm. A substantial fence should be erected on the two sides of the cemetery plot adjoining the farm lands. Mr. Best \[William R. Best\] later reports that occasionally cattle are allowed to run at large on the roads in this section and that many residents in that locality are of the opinion that the cemetery should be fenced on the four sides. The published Special Committee report of June 18, 1948, notes that most of the County work had been completed as outlined in the report adopted on January 23, 1947. The reference to the fence is that "A substantial fence should be erected around the cemetery as, in the opinion of your Committee, a cemetery should be properly enclosed." The unpublished minutes of November 4, 1948, reported the following summary: The building was repaired. Concrete foundation put under it. New chimney built. New window sash. Siding repaired where necessary. Porch straightened up. Seats repaired. New ceiling put on inside of church. The contractor was erecting a cairn and granite marker with the names of all the early worshippers engraved on it at the church has been secured and would be placed in the cairn. On account of the lateness of the season it was agreed the official re-opening should be postponed until next summer. Programs for the Service with suitable hymns selected would be mimeographed. Albert Calvert offered to have a sign board made and suitably engraved indicating the name of the church when and how it was erected. Robert Calvert and Bruce Duncan painted the inscription (sign) board for the church (since removed). MHCVR.SHRM2014–33 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 32 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT On November 26, 1948, the Special Committee reported that Oro Township is having "a new fence erected around the cemetery and the brush cleared from the front half of the lot; that half is being levelled with the Township machinery and it will be ready for seeding in the spring." The Special Committee minutes of June 26, 1949, note that the part of the cemetery facing the concession line (Line 3) was levelled by the Township but "there are still some snags and roots of small trees showing up and they should be removed by the Township grader. When this is completed it is the intention to erect a fence along the concession line. The other three sides of the cemetery is fenced." On August 8, 1949, it was noted by the Special Committee that the seats and door were repaired by Lloyd Scott and that two quarts of white paint were bought (reason not given). An account in the Clowes Tweedsmuir History, "Clean-Up Day at the African Episcopal Methodist Church August 1949," explains that Clowes Branch members arrived with cleaning supplies and "paint and brushes" to "chase the dirt away." (Photographs are shown previous pages.) th August 14, 1949, was the official reopening and 100 Anniversary service of the church. The day was officiated by the Reverend A.B. Gearo, B. Theology, a stepson of James Thompson, an Oro black settler by then living in Allandale (Barrie). The Special Committee report of November 24, 1949, notes that the outside walls of the church should be given two coats of paint. 6.4 1956C HANGES According to a recap of renovations described in the Clowes Tweedsmuir History: In 1956 new siding was put on the outside walls, other repairs were made, and the old porch was taken away. On August 1956 another service was held on the grounds with a large attendance. Rev. Seymour Boyce was guest speaker. In the cemetery there are no signs of the wooden crosses which marked the graves. It was becoming a grove of trees. Part of the one-acre lot was cleared of trees and sodded in 1947 and now is cared for by Simcoe County Council's Tourist and Industrial Committee, Chairman John Woodrow, Reeve of Oro 1947. A newspaper article reporting on the 1956 "African Church Memorial Service" Barrie Examiner states the church "was opened in 1846 by slaves who fled their southern bonds." A photograph taken at the event (shown next page) reveals that the "old porch" that was "taken away" was the vestibule at the west entrance. MHCVR.SHRM2014–34 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 33 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT th Image taken at the August 14, 1949, 100 Anniversary service Above: (Source: ) Barrie Examiner : Image taken between 1949 and 1956 (Source: Simpson E8 B1 Below R3B S1 Sh2 Simcoe County Archives) MHCVR.SHRM2014–35 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 34 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT Image taken after the 1956 removal of the vestibule and the application Above: of new siding and seasonal window coverings. Image likely taken at the 1967 anniversary service (based on year of Below: the van shown). MHCVR.SHRM2014–36 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 35 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT 6.5 1967C HANGES According to the newspaper of July 27, 1967, "restoration and preservation of this Barrie Banner interior is a centennial project of the Toronto Negro Business & Professional Men's Association. A plaque was unveiled by Simcoe County Warden George MacKay." (The extent of the changes to the interior is unknown but may become evident as the current restoration progresses.) 6.6 1975R EFERENCE An article in the Clowes Tweedsmuir History written about 1975 contains a drawing of the church that is romanticized by the artist. It shows exposed exterior timber walls. The accompanying article recaps past renovations: The floor of the church has been turned over because it became so worn. The picket fences, remembered by some of our senior citizens, stood guard around burial lots and along the road. The front porch was removed when repair work was done. Siding was put on to preserve the church. Shutter doors protected the windows. Inside rough lumber was used to make benches. A pulpit stood on a small platform . . . \[this does not continue with a description of the church or site\]. 6.7 1979-1980C HANGES In 1979, the stone cairn was refurbished. The Township paid $2,266 to reinforce the roof of the 14 church and clad it with cedar shingles. 6.8 1981TV RUCK ANDALISM On August 31, 1981, vandalism damage was sustained by the church when a dump truck backed into the west facade and a tandem truck rammed into the north facade. The exterior and interior damage was extensive but it was concluded that it "appears that practically all materials 15 can be salvaged for re-use with some replacements." The damage resulted in an insurance 16 claim for which the adjustor listed the damage as follows: Damaged by Trucks Remove all cedar board siding Reinstall log wall and replace damaged stud strapping Install original cedar board siding Replace damaged cedar board siding Repair damaged cement footing MHCVR.SHRM2014–37 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 36 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT West Side: Remove and replace entrance door (solid cedar) Remove and replace damaged cedar board siding Reinstall undamaged cedar board siding Reinstall log wall Replace door jamb Interior: Remove and replace damaged cedar wainscoting Replaster log seams on north and west wall Vandalism damage caused by two trucks on August 31, 1981. The front (west) facade damage is extensive and the mid section of the north wall is pushed into the interior. Of note is that the south wall was already tilting south due to structural failures that predate this 1981 damage. (Source: Township of Oro-Medonte) MHCVR.SHRM2014–38 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 37 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT The west facade following vandalism damage in 1981. The hanging and cracked timber was reinstated into the structure. Damage to the window sash on the south facade. MHCVR.SHRM2014–39 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 38 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT The repairs were done by Edward Robinson and Charles Sanderson. One of their invoices for 17 materials included: 2x4x10 and 2x4x12 spruce 2x10x7 and 1x10x7 pine 2x10x3 door sill 1x9x4 pine 1x6x8 door casing 1 panel door 1 pair window sash 1 pair 3" butt hinges 1 pair 4" strap hinges 420 bft 1 ¼ x 6 cedar log 1 gallon charcoal 6.9 1984TP REE LANTING 18 The Oro Horticultural Society planted trees on the property in 1984. Replacing the floor in 1987 (Source: /Clowes Tweedsmuir History) Barrie Examiner 6.10 1987FR LOOR EPLACED In January 1987, area residents Walter Hutchinson assisted by Howard Campbell, Wallace Key, 19 and Keith Lees worked "among dirt and old wood to replace the floorboards." The repair to MHCVR.SHRM2014–40 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 39 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT the floor is confirmed in the Township of Oro History Committee minutes of February 3, 1987. A letter dated March 30, 1987 from Clif Bennett (R.R. 2 Hawkestone) to the Township notes "the old stringers from the AME Church on Line 3 still have a few solid chunks. I noticed that they are piled in front of the church." He asks to take these so he and others can carve something 20 related to the history of the church. 6.11 2003R EFERENCES On June 23, 2003, Township Heritage Committee member Tim Crawford drafted a Memo to Council outlining the success of the NHS ceremony on June 15, 2003. He notes that the stone cairn was restored. He also mentions that on June 21, 2003, there was a wedding in the church. In preparation, the bride's father constructed some benches: \[He\] made 7 or 8 replica benches out of 150 year old barn board and has donated them to the church. One has to study the benches carefully to identify the originals from the replicas, they are so carefully reproduced. He repaired an original bench which was not safe, but did so, after asking permission. He did it in such a way as to not detract from its 21 original design. In December 2003: "Thieves stole several wooden pews, many at least 100 years old, from the building." Some were later recovered at an antique market near Midland. 6.12 2004VD AN AMAGE In March 2004, a van lost control on Line 3 and collided with the west entrance of the church. According to a local newspaper dated March 25, 2004, "the impact splintered a few logs on the 22 building's exterior and knocked down the plywood door." MHCVR.SHRM2014–41 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 40 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT South Facade of the Church, October 2013 At this date, the church has a repaired roof and replacement shingles; a 1943 chimney; 1956 imitation log siding; replacement window sashes; a concrete foundation; the 1981 partially rebuilt front (west) and north facades; boulders to prevent repeat damage by vehicles; and no vestibule. The interior has a replacement floor and ceiling, and other changes. MHCVR.SHRM2014–42 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 41 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT West facade, removing the 1956 imitation log siding. The outward Above: lean of the wall is visible on right. The original gable boards visible are deteriorated due to water and other damage. South facade, after removal of 1956 siding. Note the irregular Below: foundation at grade and that the corner at right has sunk. MHCVR.SHRM2014–43 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 42 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT West facade, 1981 gerry-built Left: entrance. Note the outward lean in opposite directions of the vertical framing on the logs. North facade. Tyvek Below: weatherproofing will protect the church until restoration can begin. The Tyvek follows the line of the deteriorated foundation and slopes to the left (east), as the bottom front log is almost completely below grade. MHCVR.SHRM2014–44 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 43 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT Attic interior, recent gerry-built bracing to stabilize the roof. Some of the roof load Above: is incorrectly transferred onto the ceiling instead of the log walls, causing serious structural problems. Attic interior, example of pole rafters separated from opposing rafters by as much Below: as five inches. The cut (square) nails originally used to secure an opposite rafter remain. MHCVR.SHRM2014–45 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 44 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT Bolt securing a cable to prevent further spreading of the walls has Above: cracked the left plate log. The log is punky (soft). Example of rafter separated from left plate log with trunnel missing. Below: MHCVR.SHRM2014–46 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 45 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT Attic interior, examples of rotted roof sheathing. MHCVR.SHRM2014–47 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 46 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT 7.0 CAC ONDITION SSESSMENT OF THE HURCH This January 2014 condition assessment of the church building was prepared by Victor R. Snow Heritage Restoration - Project Management & Consulting, based on his initial visit to the property in the fall of 2013 and his comprehensive inspection of the structure with the exterior siding removed on December 12, 2013. The accompanying photographs are before and after this section. As with all condition assessments for heritage buildings, this is a work in progress. Other details of the building's technology, materials, craftsmanship, evolution, and condition will be revealed as the restoration is underway. Condition Assessment and Recommendation for the Restoration of the Oro African Church Visits 1.0 Background and Site \[Information in this section is provided elsewhere in this CHA report.\] 2.0 December 12, 2013 Onsite Assessment As authorized by the Township, on Thursday, December 12, 2013, I and four crew members, three with extensive experience in heritage buildings, undertook the onsite work necessary for a comprehensive assessment of the condition and conservation needs of the log church. Under the Terms of Reference agreed to with the Township, this assessment did not negatively impact any of the historic fabric of the building or its character defining elements. The following were necessary to complete the assessment: a) All imitation exterior log siding (documented to date to 1956) was removed. b) A rectangular hole was cut in the v-groove ceiling boards (documented to date to 1947) to allow access to the attic. c) Much of the gerry-built entrance (documented to 1981 following truck damage) was removed. d) We did not lift any floorboards (joists and floorboards were repaired in 1947 and then replaced in 1987) as planned, as it was obvious that the floor joists are decayed. e) Other elements identified in the chronology of alterations compiled by Su Murdoch were examined without interference. MHCVR.SHRM2014–48 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 47 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT f) Following investigation and assessment, the walls were covered with Tyvek House Wrap to protect the structure from the elements, pending restoration. 3.0 Summary of Findings The December 2013 examination indicates that this log church is in a far worse state than expected. It needs immediate comprehensive restoration to address very serious structural problems that now compromise its survival. Money should not be wasted on interim or temporary measures in an attempt to just "stabilize" the structure. As well as the structural issues, conservation/restoration is required to reinstate authenticity to its historic appearance, i.e., the period before alterations were undertaken in the early 1940s by the Township and County. Minimal, if any, conjecture is required to undertake full restoration to its period of active use as a church, as nearly all key components survive and/or can be documented (notably by a 1941 photograph of the north facade). Findings related to the pressing need for restoration are summarized as follows: a) There are very serious problems with the entire roof structure as well as the decay in the left plate (top log) that supports the rafters. b) The left and right walls have spread and are not plumb. Also, some individual logs have shifted. This movement is likely the result of several factors: - some design weaknesses in the original construction (e.g., lap keying instead of dovetail corners for the logs) - the lack of a frost protected foundation. The church has rested on grade since the foundation was replaced in 1947. The cement is cracked and has large holes that allow raccoon access to the area under the floor. Heaving caused by frost action is one of the factors that has affected the integrity of the walls. - the destructive action of the two trucks rammed into the front (west) and north walls by vandals in August 1981. The extensive damage was repaired in the immediate areas of impact with no visible marks on the log faces. Nonetheless, the force of impact unquestionably contributed to other problems that now exist. - substantial, well intentioned but generally poor quality repairs and "restoration" carried out since the early 1940s (particularly the roof and ceiling structure). c) Due to advanced decay, at least one log requires full replacement and at least three require pieced restoration at a minimum. The first course of logs may have slight decay on the bottom sides where they rest on the cracked and heaved foundation. MHCVR.SHRM2014–49 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 48 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT d) The non-original chimney ("rebuilt" about 1947) positioned in the back gable is deteriorated and its structural support on a wood bracket nailed to the log wall is questionable. A photograph dated 1941 indicates a chimney in the centre of the building. e) The biohazards present, such as bat and mouse droppings, bird splatter and other fecal matter, are a health issue. These are a factor in closing the building to the public and will be a continuing problem if appropriate restoration is not undertaken. These creatures have ready access to the building in its current state. 4.0 Detailed Analysis 1) The space between successive logs is minimal and consistent, even though individual logs vary in face width by several inches. This results when the logs in each course around the building are about the same diameter. I do not believe that this is coincidence, but results from care in log selection and is likely the work of experienced log builders or perhaps the supervision of one skilled individual. The logs have been neatly hewn or "score hacked" with chopping axes and "hewn to the line" with broadaxes giving relative smoothness to the faces. I did not see signs of the use of an adze, as is sometimes the case. Those faint but distinctive tool marks are rarely obvious although very occasionally late in the day when the sun is exactly positioned they can be seen. 2) The lapped (non dovetailed) "keying" is neatly formed but not to the same quality on every corner, being indicative of the work of several men. Although the lap style is usually considered the work of lesser skilled individuals, I have seen dovetailed construction with the variation in spacing between the logs ranging from 2" to 13" with irregular hewn faces, so the matter of skill may be mitigated by many factors. For example, lack of care and speed of work would be factors if a structure needed to be completed before the arrival of cold weather. There also seems to be regional preference for the lapped style. As an example, there are a number of full two storey log houses surviving in Albion Twp., Peel County, all very finely crafted but without dovetails. Elsewhere in Peel County, lapped keying is the most common. th 3) Plate (top) logs are normally secured with wooden pegs known in the 19 century as trunnels or treenails; one at each corner and usually one or two spaced equally between. They are driven into vertically augured holes usually extending one or two logs below the plate (although I know of three other methods of securing same). Only one augured hole is visible in the south plate of the church but the trunnel appears to be missing. Others may be covered by rafter "birdsmouths." (More on that to follow.) th In 19 century log construction in Ontario, the plate logs that receive the rafters are one level higher than the logs in the gable ends. The gables are usually stud framed with exterior horizontal or vertical boarding. On the church, early clapboard siding survives above the logs in the gable ends. The weathering on the log faces and on the gable clapboard suggests that clapboard was added to all the exterior walls, overlaying the logs and the gable clapboard, MHCVR.SHRM2014–50 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 49 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT about 10 to 20 years after the church was built, i.e., before 1870. As such, the exterior cladding associated with the period of active use by the Black congregation is authentically 1860s to 1870s period clapboard. 4) The upper logs in the walls are smaller in dimension, as is typical. Most upper logs are hardwood, although a single log in the left wall is likely basswood. One hardwood log in the back wall has numerous Powder Post Beetle holes, but it is doubtful that there is ongoing insect activity and the log does not appear compromised. The lower courses of logs are pine. 5) One pine log in the back wall has extensive rot on the top; as does another, but possibly to a lesser degree. A third log shows areas of decay on the face. The plate log on the north side is also "punky" and cracked near the centre across its width. This is a serious problem affecting the structural integrity of the roof. The full extent of these problems could not be readily th determined as the interior has been extensively re-chinked and parged with 20 century masonry cement and then whitewashed. Additionally, we chose not to disturb the split wedges between the logs that "key" the chinking. th 6) The 20 century masonry cement re-chinking and parging on the interior is cracked and loose and will need to be removed. 7) Nine logs are above grade in the back wall but only eight logs are in the front wall. It is obvious that the bottom log on the front will have to be replaced in its entirety. 8) The attic space might give a structural engineer a heart attack. On the positive side, the pole rafters are straight and true and spaced 24 inches on-centre (more commonly 30 to 32 inches with less structural integrity). The rafters are held by "birdsmouths" that improve roof strength and prevent the rafters from spreading under a heavy snow load. Where the rafters extend to form the eaves, they have been perfectly shaped with a drawknife, indicating the work of a skilled and experienced individual. This perfect workmanship allows direct attachment of fascia and soffit eliminating the need for "lookouts." 9) There is no ridge board, which is typical. The first pair of rafters at the front remains secured by cut nails where they meet at the ridge; but other rafters are separated up to 5" at the ridge. This relates to the fact that the building has spread over the years, creating a sag in the roof that was previously corrected by separating the rafters at the ridge to increase their pitch. 10) Gerry-built and improper 2 x 4 bracing has been added (in the 1940s and later) for support; but the roof load is now partly transferred onto the ceiling (which also has serious problems). The correct way to brace the roof is to add "gussets" at the ridge (2 for each pair of opposing rafters) and more importantly "collar ties" so that the roof load rests fully on the plate logs as intended (although that alone would not have corrected the spreading). 11) There are 9 ceiling joists in the 30' length, i.e., 10 spaces with the joists about 36" on-centre. In addition, four of the hewn (and presumably rotted) ceiling joists have been replaced by MHCVR.SHRM2014–51 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 50 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT "scabbing" two pieces of contemporary 2 x 6 together and again adding diagonal 2 x 4 bracing th to the rafters as support. This was never done in 19 century construction and contravenes the Ontario Building Code. 12) The five surviving hewn joists measure 7" x 5.5", 7" x 7", 7" x 5", 5" x 6" and 5.5" x 9". The 5.5" x 9" joist is at the midpoint and dovetailed into both plates. The dovetail is vertically and horizontally compressed because of the outward movement of the walls. Further, two of the hewn joists at the west end are not seated in pockets (open mortises) in the plate but are notched out at the ends. The reason for this serious original construction deficiency is baffling. Since the building has spread, these are barely supported by pieces at the ends measuring about 1.5" in depth with the same length of "catch" on the plates. Although these heavy joists have improper 2 x 4 diagonal bracing to the rafters, I would not want to stand under the ceiling. 13) Another but lesser problem visible inside the attic are several pieces of what appear to be the original pine roof sheathing now showing serious rot on the underside and edges. These have obviously been turned over and may have some remaining integrity but they should have been replaced when the roof was last shingled. 14) Tar paper (or 15 lb. building felt) covers the roof under the shingles but the absence of a "cedar breather" will speed their decay since the underside cannot dry quickly. Contemporary products such as high quality Grace Ice and Water Shield and "cedar breather" can substantially extend the life of a cedar shingle roof and prevent leaking due to ice dams, etc. Once installed neither are visible so period authenticity is not compromised. The existing wood th shingles are not installed in the correct 19 century manner. 15) Several whitewashed pine boards have been used as replacement roof sheathing. An area on each side of the boards has no whitewash, so it appears that battens originally covered the space between adjoining boards. The whitewash indicates these may be original ceiling boards (removed in 1947). I have only once previously seen boards with battens used in this manner. 16) Two steel cables about 1/4" in diameter extend between the plate logs. One cable is taunt while the other is slack. These presumably were added at the same time as the work referred to in Nos. 10, 11, and 12 took place. Obviously, the cables were intended to prevent the building from spreading farther apart, although one cable appears to have caused the crack through the left plate log. 17) The 1941 photograph of the church (taken before repairs were undertaken) shows a centre chimney, possibly offset slightly towards the back. The rise from the ceiling to the ridge is about 8' plus the usual 3' above the ridge resulting in a chimney 11' in total height. Since the chimney appears larger in dimension (as it would need to be but the explanation is lengthy) versus the later chimney (1940s built) at the gable end, it would have been of considerable weight. The stovepipe would enter the bottom of the chimney through a lime masonry "thimble." Centre chimneys serving a wood stove in early buildings are uncommon because of the difficulty of providing structural support. (Centre chimneys serving a fireplace are supported by the mass of MHCVR.SHRM2014–52 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 51 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT the fireplace and a "pier" giving continuous support from the ground or basement floor.) In the church, there is no evidence whatsoever in the attic of the means of providing support to a centre chimney; the exact position of the chimney; or any sign of telltale creosote. The chimney may have been in the position of the original, now missing, hewn joists. The ceiling boards have been replaced, further eliminating any trace evidence of the centre chimney. 18) The current entrance is gerry-built and dates, in part, to the 1981 repair after the truck damage. The ends of the logs defining the opening are covered with contemporary vertical 2 x 8s being structural. To thoroughly examine this area, the front logs need to be supported and the non-original framing removed to determine if the logs had trunnel holes, indicating that the large opening dated to the 1840 to 1870 period (pre clapboard). Various photos show a simple vestibule, removed in 1956, which would have fully covered the opening. 19) The letters "TH" and "NE" are cut into the face of the second log from the bottom in the back th wall. The letters have crude serifs indicating a 19 century origin. Research may reveal the identity or meaning of these letters or initials. 20) Traces of original mud chinking are visible in the south wall. Mud chinking is rare. In forty years experience, I have seen this only once before and that was coincidentally on the previous day (December 11). That example is a log house that has mud chinking with a slight trace of slaked lime as a binder. The mud was covered with a thick coat of whitewash to make it more durable and mud was used as mortar to brick the fireplace. 21) The wainscot on the left wall is about 2" away from the wall (out of plumb) at the top. The resulting space at the top is now filled with masonry cement and the window sills are extended with a wood insert. 22) The window frames are original as are some interior window casings. The replacement sashes (1948) have the correct 12 "lights" (panes), double hung with 24 lights per window, as per old photographs of the church. The stiles, rails and muttons are incorrect in moulded detail and dimension. The replacement glass is contemporary, not period. 23) The pulpit (likely 1948) is gerry-built from recycled materials. Indications on the wainscot confirm that the raised platform where the pulpit rests was reduced in dimension. The long period during which the roof leaked no doubt contributed to the demise of the original pulpit and the need to replace the boarded ceiling, floorboards and some joists. The original wainscot and chair rail survive in near perfect condition with only two pieces requiring slight restoration at floor level. Re-creating the original pulpit would require some "educated" conjecture and documentary research. 5.0 Recommendation \[This recommendation is included elsewhere in this CHA report\] MHCVR.SHRM2014–53 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 52 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT Separate logs showing extensive areas of rot penetrating to the centre of each log. MHCVR.SHRM2014–54 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 53 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT Irregular alignment of the Left: th corner joints. The 4 face log from the bottom has shifted outward 2.5 rdth inches. The 3 and 4 from bottom butt ends of logs have punky soft ends. Damaged foundation and Below: decay to bottom of logs. MHCVR.SHRM2014–55 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 54 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT Damaged foundation and decay to bottom of logs. MHCVR.SHRM2014–56 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 55 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT Butt end of log in front wall Left: shows entire log is below grade. It is just visible behind crumbled piece of deteriorated foundation. Detail of image to left. Below: MHCVR.SHRM2014–57 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 56 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT 8.0 TC HE EMETERY 8.1 CC HRONOLOGY OF HANGES The cemetery land is within the original acre deeded by Noah Morris in 1849 to the "Colored African Episcopal Methodist Church in Canada.” This date of the legal transfer of land is not necessarily the date of the earliest burial. It also cannot be concluded that all burials are within the acre. It is always possible that some will have occurred outside this boundary, on the abutting lands. In 2013, Lintack interviewed Tom Partridge, who as a ten year old in 1943 was responsible for cutting the grass at the site. Later, he was responsible for maintaining a parking lot for workers building the nearby radar station. Built in 1952, the Royal Canadian Air Force Station Edgar was part of the Pinetree Line of radar stations. It was home to the 31st Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron and was operational in its intended role until 1964. Partridge also recalled a shortcut used by motorists travelling between Simcoe Road 11 and Line 3, across the church property: Tom Partridge moved to Oro as a young boy in 1943. He cut the grass around the African Church in the area that is now cut grass with a team of horses pulling a mower about 3-4 times a year for a few years when he was around 10 years old. On one occasion he “got too close to the cemetery “(area now treed) and one of the horses feet broke into a wooden board casket that contained remains which he reported to be “black hair.” The casket was only about 1.5 feet underground and he filled the hole with dirt at the time. He did not cut the grass with the team in the cemetery because all the graves were “not far below the ground.” He believes there are no grave sites in the area that is now cut grass .This area was also used as a parking lot during the week in 1952 for 5-6 cars (including Cliff Alderdice) while they worked on the Edgar Radar Station which only had a bulldozer trail up to it. The area was also a short cut between Con. 3 \[Line 3 North\] and the Old Barrie Road \[Simcoe Road 11\] used by local motorists on occasion and a favorite hiding spot and turn around for police. He recalled there were no permanent markers/stones but remembers seeing about 6 white wooden crosses in the northern portion of the area now treed while he was a boy cutting the grass with the team. The crosses were constructed of 1x4 type material and there was nothing written in them and they appeared to be arranged in rows. Others interviewed by Lintack recalled the cemetery being fenced to keep out cattle grazing on the abutting farm. MHCVR.SHRM2014–58 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 57 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT On January 23, 1947, the Special Committee of Simcoe County Council reported, “In the cemetery there are about fifty graves without any markers.” The Special Committee minutes of 1947 also note that Oro resident William R. Best provided the Committee a list to identify “the family names of those who built the church and worshipped there.” It is presumed that this list is what is engraved on the plaque mounted on the cairn erected in 1948. The plaque (shown right) reads “In memory of the following families who worshipped and are buried here.” The rationale for the additional wording “and are buried here” is not explained in the minutes and may be an inaccurate statement. The Special Committee minutes of June 26, 1949, note that the part of the cemetery “facing Line 3 was levelled by the Township but "there are still some snags and roots of small trees showing up and they should be removed by the Township grader. When this is completed, it is the intention to erect a fence along the concession line. The other three sides of the cemetery are fenced." The last known interment is that of James Thompson who died on December 18, 1949. 8.2 CAC ONDITION SSESSMENT OF THE EMETERY In October 2008, the Oro Medonte Historical Society retained multiView Locates Inc. to conduct a geophysical (ground penetrating radar) scan of “the open, accessible areas east and south of the church building, an area measuring approximately 45 by 60 metres.” MultiView’s final report with mapping is available from the Township. It concludes that gravesites may be present south and east of the church building, but acknowledges that ground penetrating radar technology has limitations on sites where the surface soil has been disturbed, notably through grading and levelling (as with the Oro site). The findings are also qualified by the following caution: Radar energy is reflected in the subsurface due to contrasts in the electrical properties of the materials; a sufficient contrast in the electrical properties between the target material and the surrounding soil is required in order to generate a coherent radar reflection. Old grave sites with decomposed body tissues, timbers and clothing are subtle features to image with the GPR since the electrical contrast between these materials and the surrounding soil is not particularly strong, with the contrast getting weaker as decomposition progresses. MHCVR.SHRM2014–59 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 58 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT Intact fragments of wood and bone, as well as minor changes in the water content caused by disruption to the soil layers during excavation and infilling of the burial plot, can be enough to create the radar reflections necessary to define a subsurface GPR anomaly. However, only under the most extremely favourable soil conditions would a GPR investigator be able to uniquely identify a subsurface anomaly as a gravesite; in most cases, subsequent “ground-truthing” by a professional archaeologist would be necessary to confirm the cause of the reflection. In 2013 and 2014, Lintack conducted several examinations of the cemetery and the abutting Township owned lands. He reported: There are a number of water filled depressions extending immediately east for about 15 metres into the old field outside the existing fenced cemetery (along the Old Barrie Road). I think they may be graves, similar depressions to those in the treed area. There were no other water filled depressions found on the rest of the Township property. It is evident by the rolling mounds and depressions across the cemetery that the soil has been disturbed. As wood caskets decay, they collapse into the soil and create corresponding depressions on the surface. This process may explain, in part, the unusual topography of the area. Lintack noted that the site has accumulations of water and a recent abundance of shrubs, like red osier dogwood, that thrive in that environment. PARTC:AR NALYSIS AND ECOMMENDATIONS 9.0 SGHC TANDARDS AND UIDELINES FOR ERITAGE ONSERVATION Prior to Parks Canada’s 2003 release of the publication Standards and Guidelines for the , most provinces had similar criteria for heritage Conservation of Historic Places in Canada conservation. In Ontario, Well-Preserved, The Ontario Heritage Foundation’s Manual of Principles and was published in 1988. The Ontario Heritage Trust and Practice for Architectural Conservation Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Recreation disseminate InfoSheets, including one titled Eight (shown next page). In 2005, the Guiding Principles in the Conservation of Historic Properties Ministry published the series. On July 1, 2010, Ontario Heritage Act Heritage Tool-KitStandards became mandatory for all and Guidelines for the Conservation of Provincial Heritage Properties Ontario ministries and fourteen public bodies. Ontario has adopted the Parks Canada document as part of its roster of accepted heritage conservation guidelines and principles. MHCVR.SHRM2014–60 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 59 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT MHCVR.SHRM2014–61 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 60 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT The overall approach of Parks Canada is that "any interventions to a historic place, i.e., any actions or processes that result in a physical change to the tangible elements, must respect its 23 heritage value." Where intervention is necessary to reinstate heritage integrity and/or correct whatever is placing the resource at risk, the work must give priority to the heritage value. The three categories of work sanctioned by the are Preservation, Standards and Guidelines 24 Rehabilitation, and Restoration: the action or process of protecting, maintaining and/or stabilizing the Preservation: existing materials, form, and integrity of a historic place or of an individual component, while protecting its heritage value. the action or process of making possible a continuing or compatible Rehabilitation: contemporary use of a historic place or an individual component, through repair, alterations, and/or additions, while protecting its heritage value. the action or process of accurately revealing, recovering, or representing Restoration: the state of a historic place or of an individual component, as it appeared at a particular period in its history, while protecting its heritage value. One of the parameters of this CHA is that all work is to comply with the Parks Canada Standards and Guidelines. 10.0 TCB HE HURCH UILDING 10.1 RAHC ECOMMENDED PPROACH TO ERITAGE ONSERVATION Based on the findings of this CHA, the recommended heritage conservation approach to the Oro African church is Restoration, as defined in the Parks Canada . Standards and Guidelines The way in which this site physically evolved between the 1840s founding and 1920s abandonment is directly linked to decisions made by the founding congregation. These decisions were made to meet the changing needs of the congregation over time, using the resources available. This makes the 1840s to 1920s, the period of highest heritage value. It is the period during which the physical structure was only "touched by the hands” of those directly associated with the site. A few stakeholders prefer to restore the church to its 1840s date of construction (with exposed logs, no vestibule, etc.). It is the conclusion of this CHA that this approach denies the physical evolution of the building to the 1920s, during which it was solely under the direction of the founding congregation. This date of construction approach considers the church as an early log building artifact, not as a cultural heritage story that evolved over time. MHCVR.SHRM2014–62 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 61 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT The 1941 depiction of the church (shown previous pages) is the earliest known image prior to changes made by non congregation members beginning in 1943. Restoring the church to this appearance (minus the deterioration) is recommended as it best captures the heritage value of the site. Any earlier images found should be carefully examined for detail. 10.2 TNDC HE EED TO ISMANTLE THE HURCH th Based on his site inspection and extensive experience with 19 century log construction, Snow recommends dismantling the church as the first step in the restoration process. Each layer, construction detail, and finish will be carefully recorded to ensure it is reinstated exactly as built and/or historically as found. This recommendation is in Snow’s Condition Assessment of January 2014: Section 5.0 Recommendation My expertise in heritage building conservation and restoration has been acquired over forty years of examination, research, and evidence based work. For the African Church project, I have considered all the options based on the on-site assessment, documentary and interview research, and input from others, notably Reyn Richardson, Wayne Lintack and Gary French. For over twenty years, Reyn and I together have completed extensive period restoration work on heritage buildings We also have dismantled and reconstructed significant in situ. heritage buildings that could not be saved, or relocated and restored, without dismantling. I value Reyn's opinion and expertise. Wayne Lintack and I share an interest in heritage preservation. The recreated Georgian style addition to his residence in Oro reflects his extensive knowledge of period construction, styles, and materials. Gary French has a vast knowledge related to local history and heritage buildings. He is an expert in the history of the Oro Black settlement and lives in a relocated 1832 area log house. The consensus of opinion is that to reinstate the structural integrity of this log building, return the walls to plumb, correct the deficiencies in the roof framing, restore/replace decayed logs, add a frost proof foundation with 12" of rubblestone above grade, and then authenticate other elements, the church must first be carefully dismantled. Every individual component will be discreetly numbered and recorded on appropriate drawings. In most cases, original early nails will remain intact and be aligned with their original holes and nailed components for an exact reinstallation. I am aware that all work on site must be undertaken without disturbing the associated cemetery. The Township acknowledges that archaeological fieldwork may be required, notably in advance of any excavating needed for the new foundation. MHCVR.SHRM2014–63 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 62 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT A detailed Scope of Work with costing for this conservation strategy will be provided separately, on request, and/or as needed for future funding applications. It is acknowledged that dismantling is not a recommended heritage conservation practice. The risk is always some loss of cultural heritage integrity. Dismantling, however, can be necessary, especially with log construction. In this instance, the church has already undergone a significant loss of structural and cultural integrity due to extensive changes since 1943. Many of these changes have resulted in and are accelerating its deterioration. At every stage of the December 2013 examination of the church, Snow considered whether each individual component could be restored without removal The conclusion is that the in situ, . deficiencies are too numerous, extensive, and interconnected. Dismantling is the only option for the following reasons: The roof framing has been incorrectly braced, placing the bearing load partly onto the ceiling instead of fully on the log walls. The resulting loss of structural integrity in the ceiling is a dangerous situation and the cause of the church being closed to the public in 2013. The rafters have spread to five inches apart at the ridge. The north plate log is punky from rot. Several logs have shifted out of place (from rot collapse and vehicle impact damage), with the result that the walls are no longer plumb. The centre chimney has been relocated to the east. (As the floor and ceiling have been replaced, there will be no evidence of the original location of a wood burning stove. The standard location for a stove is centre or slightly offset toward the entrance.) The soffits are missing, allowing water and animal penetration. The window sashes are replacements and the shutters are missing. The siding was a non period type replacement and removed in 2013 to conduct the site examination. The concrete replacement foundation is poured onto the surface (not excavated) and is not frost protected. The concrete is disintegrating and allowing water penetration, further damaging the logs through rot. The floor and ceiling are non period replacements. MHCVR.SHRM2014–64 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 63 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT Some adjustments have been made to the wainscoting; and it has pulled away about two inches from the north wall. Changes have been made to the pulpit. The vestibule has been removed and the entranceway changed. The front and north facades were repaired improperly following extensive truck and van impact damage. Several logs have extensive dry rot. Testing by Snow has confirmed that some logs can be repaired but others have decayed to such an extent that repair is not a long term solution. Their structural strength has been compromised and repair only will not block the advance of the dry rot. The progression of this type of rot is difficult to halt without removal. The nature of log construction as a sequential assembly process (one log is corner lapped on the previous and held through compression) means that higher logs must be lifted off to gain access to a lower log that needs extensive repair or replacement. This situation, and given the total number of known deficiencies in the church structure, mean that repair is not in situ possible. Dismantling is the only option. Dismantling will facilitate a close examination of each component of the building to identify the appropriate level of intervention, where needed. It also presents the opportunity to reinstate some components to their as built location. For example, it is suspected that some sheathing boards on the replacement sections of the roof originated as interior ceiling boards. These can be reinstated into the ceiling and used as a template for period replacements. The result will be reinstating authenticity to those components of the building that have been changed or removed since the 1940s. The church will regain structural strength, for the long term. 10.3 TNRC HE EED TO ELOCATE THE HURCH The Parks Canada state: “Do not move a part of a historic place if its Standards and Guidelines current location is a character-defining element.” The Canadian Register of Historic Places describes “the location just east of the old Penetanguishene Road; the pastoral nature of the site with the church as focal point in the grassed landscape of the unmarked burial ground” as a character defining element. MHCVR.SHRM2014–65 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 64 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT In September 2013, Murdoch inquired of Parks Canada whether the potential relocation of the church would ''void any integrity requirements and disqualify the project for cost sharing.'' Parks 25 Canada responded as follows: It is not generally accepted conservation practice to move a recognized building when the location contributes to the heritage value of the site. . . . Any application for funding through the Cost-Sharing Program would be assessed for compliance with the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places and acceptable conservation practices. The very first standard (p. 24) stipulates: “Conserve the heritage value of an historic place. Do not remove, replace or substantially alter its intact or repairable character-defining elements. Do not move a part of an historic place if its current location is a character-defining element.” In light of this, moving the church would be seen as diminishing the heritage value of the site, if not eliminating it, and could potentially even lead to the loss of the recognition as a national historic site. Additional guidance on the subject can be found under the guidelines for cultural landscapes (beginning on p. 49 of the Standards and Guidelines). Overall, we would recommend pursuing alternative methods to control nearby traffic. Could the Township provide some assistance? Could the existing boulders be moved closer to the road? Speed limits reviewed? A ditch added? I am sure you have already considered these options however I would encourage further investigation before making your final decision. The caution from Parks Canada that the original location of a cultural heritage resource is integral to its heritage value and integrity was heeded by the Township. Relocation as a method of eliminating risks to a resource must be a last resort, and it could result in the removal of the NHS designation. During the course of this CHA, it became evident that the location of the church has increasingly placed it at risk, physically and environmentally. After the recommendation was made in January 2014 for dismantling, it became prudent to consider the option of relocating the church. There was insufficient time before the January 27 deadline for submission to the Cost Sharing Program to reach any conclusion about relocation. Now that the options have been carefully evaluated, the conclusion is that the following risks alone are justification for moving the church to a safer location. The church was extensively damaged by vehicles in 1981 (vandalism) and 2004 (loss of control on Line 3). Its location at the road allowance of Line 3 and near the road allowance of Simcoe Road 11 means a constant risk of repeat damage by vehicles. Traffic in this area is steadily increasing and includes daily gravel trucks. MHCVR.SHRM2014–66 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 65 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT The boulders placed parallel to the road allowances in an effort to avoid a direct vehicle/church collision increase the risk of personal injury or death to occupants in any vehicle that loses control. Winter road maintenance is causing salt damage and snow buildup against the front facade of the church. As the church is lower in elevation than Line 3, spring runoff and rain is penetrating and causing damage to the concrete foundation and surviving log sills. The church needs to be raised at least to the level of the road to prevent this situation. The church is also lower in elevation than Simcoe Road 11. The church location does not meet right of way, sightlines, and other transportation safety standards. (See April 8, 2014 letter from the County of Simcoe, next page.) Relocation also brings other benefits to the site: • In its present location, recreating the missing vestibule is not possible as it will be in the road allowance. • The proposed crawl space beneath the church will involve excavating to a depth of about four feet and moving the soil. A three foot wide perimeter excavation, then backfilling, is necessary to replacing the 1940s foundation This work could disturb artifacts and gravesites at the current location and any alternate location within the historic acre. Relocating the church to the Township property eliminates these risks. • Any increase in use, such as for larger attendance at services, or educational/museum programming, will require more space for seating, a display area, classroom, washrooms, and utility servicing. This expansion is not possible in the current location. (An alternative is to construct a new building on nearby Township lands.) • Encasing the church within a larger structure would offer physical protection to this artifact (out of the weather) and could provide increased space, but encasing is not an option in the current location. In its current location, the church is at a proven risk of damage by vehicles, salt, and water runoff. The option to realign Line 3 North and/or Simcoe Road 11 was found not feasible due to property constraints on either side of the road allowances, cost, and transportation safety regulations. MHCVR.SHRM2014–67 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 66 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT MHCVR.SHRM2014–68 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 67 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT The church is at a lower elevation than Line 3 and Simcoe Road 11. Shown is the southeast corner of the intersection and the close proximity of the west facade to Line 3. Snow and water are pooling and penetrating the foundation, April 2014. (Courtesy Wayne Lintack) Relocation of the church off the historic acre, to the Township owned lands to the southeast, will eliminate the existing risks. Although the orientation to the cemetery will be altered, the church will remain at the northwest corner of Lot 11, Concession 4, and will continue to front on Line 3 North. The final location chosen is subject to topographic and engineering assessments to be conducted by the Township. Some initiative to mark the original location would enhance the historic interpretation of the site. 11.0 TC HE EMETERY 11.1 CC ONSERVATION OF THE EMETERY The rolling topography of the cemetery can be attributed, in part, to the natural decaying process of graves that are near the surface. This topographical evolution differs from desecration of a cemetery that results from poor stewardship. It still may be disturbing to some, notably the family descendants, who may choose to assist the Township in some aesthetic improvements. Since 1972, the legal responsibility for the "maintenance, management, regulation, and control" of the site has been assigned by bylaw to the Township. It is advised that the Township consider its legislated obligations as stewards of this cemetery. MHCVR.SHRM2014–69 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 68 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT 11.2 AG VOIDING RAVESITES The issue for this CHA is how to avoid disturbing any gravesite during the course of the proposed conservation work to the church. As concluded in 2008 by multiView Locates Inc., there is a high potential for finding gravesites on the original acre. This potential could extend to the abutting Township lands. MultiView advises that due to the limitations of ground penetrating radar technology, the scan evidence needs to be partnered with “ground-truthing by a professional archaeologist.” In some cemeteries, there are reports that gravesites are found using a dowsing rod. It is recommended that an archaeologist licensed under the Ontario Heritage Act be present for any soil disturbances/excavations that occur on this site during the proposed work. The first priority is to manage any discovery of human remains. An additional responsibility is to undertake fieldwork in specific areas that have a high potential for revealing artifacts and information about the site. For example, the subsurface beneath the floor in the church may contain components of the building. The same applies to any new excavation areas. The past grading and levelling of the site may inhibit the findings of this archaeological fieldwork. 12.0 OC THER ONSIDERATIONS 12.1 FS UTURE OF THE ITE 12.1.1 EHCR NDORSEMENT OF THE ERITAGE ONSERVATION ECOMMENDATIONS At the stakeholders’ consultation meeting held on April 16, 2014, there was general endorsement for the dismantling, relocation, and restoration of the church to its state at the close of its period of active use in the 1920s. These heritage conservation measures were accepted as necessary to the long term survival of the building. There was minimal discussion on the mitigation or improvement of the cemetery lands, except for the need to avoid any disturbance to gravesites. 12.1.2 FU UTURE SE Some in attendance at the stakeholders meeting expressed an interest in linking the Oro site to other Ontario Black Heritage initiatives and to local tourism. Ontario Heritage Trust, for example, maintains a website with a list of partners who operate an institution or have a mandate to document Ontario’s Black history (heritagetrust.on.ca/slaverytofreedom). MHCVR.SHRM2014–70 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 69 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT The Township has indicated that the development of the Oro site as a museum or Black Heritage educational centre offering tours, displays, and lectures is currently outside its mandate as stewards of the site. Bringing these ideas to fruition may take a “Friends of the Oro African Church” type organization. A “Friends” organization with a permanent mandate, preferably as a non profit corporation, would be the logical partner in any heritage conservation easement agreement with the Township under s.37 of the Ontario Heritage Act. 12.2 PUOHA ROTECTION NDER THE NTARIO ERITAGE CT The National Historic Sites designation is commemorative only and does not provide the site with any legislated governance. Protection of the property under the Ontario Heritage Act is recommended. This can be achieved by the Township through a designating bylaw under s.29 of the Act. The bylaw will require a statement of cultural heritage value or interest and description of heritage attributes that support that value or interest. If protection under the Act is pursued, it is advised that the commemoration statement of the National Historic Sites designation be reviewed for accuracy and relevance; and that the statement of cultural heritage value or interest add, at a minimum, reference to the importance of the property for the following reasons: The church building is an early example of log construction in Oro Township; The church building is an example of the workmanship of early Oro Black settlers; The site is a place of worship built by and to serve the spiritual needs of the Black settlers of Methodist faith in Oro from the 1840s to 1920s, with continuing interest held by their descendants and others; The site is the final resting place of several Oro Black settlers and their descendants to about 1949; The site contributes to the knowledge and understanding of the early settlement of Oro- Medonte Township and the County of Simcoe. 13.0 S UMMARY Based on the findings of this Cultural Heritage Assessment, it is concluded that the National Historic Site known as the Oro African Methodist Episcopal Church and Cemetery continues to hold national, provincial, and local cultural heritage value or interest. MHCVR.SHRM2014–71 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 70 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT Since the early 1940s, the site has undergone significant changes that have no historical or associative link to its heritage value. As such, an appropriate heritage conservation strategy for the site is to restore the log church building to its state at the close of its active use by the founding congregation in the 1920s. The appearance of the church at that date is best represented by a 1941 photograph shown in this report (or earlier photographs that may become available). Due to the extent of its current structural failings, and that its location at the road allowance now presents risks to its long term survival, dismantling and relocating the church to abutting Township owned lands should be part of the heritage conservation strategy. The conservation work should be undertaken by a heritage building specialist with expertise in th recording, dismantling, relocating, and restoring early 19 century log buildings. A licensed archaeologist should attend the site when necessary during the restoration work, to mitigate any disturbance to human remains and to monitor the subsurface for artifacts. All work is to comply with the Parks Canada Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada. It is further recommended that the property be evaluated for protection under the Ontario Heritage Act. MHCVR.SHRM2014–72 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 71 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT A PPENDIX Disclaimer: Overall professional judgment was exercised in gathering and analyzing the information obtained and in the formulation of the conclusions and recommendations. Like all professional persons rendering advice, the consultant does not act as absolute insurer of the conclusions reached, but is committed to care and competence in reaching those conclusions. SHCCE UMMARIES OF ERITAGE ONSULTING REDENTIALS AND XPERIENCE E NDNOTES MHCVR.SHRM2014–73 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 72 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT SM,B.A.H. U URDOCH IST SHCCE UMMARY OF ERITAGE ONSULTING REDENTIALS AND XPERIENCE SM is the principal in SMHC.Founded in 1990, U URDOCHU URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING projects have been completed for individual, corporate, and public clients across Ontario. Much of this work has involved the evaluation of the cultural heritage value or interest of properties and preparation of Cultural Heritage Assessment type reports. SM is a professional member in good standing of the Canadian Association of U URDOCH Heritage Professionals for 2014. E DUCATION Bachelor of Arts (History) Certificate in Cultural Landscape Theory and Practice (Willowbank Centre) Archival Principles and Administration certification Related research skills training AR WARDS AND ECOGNITION Town of Markham Heritage Award of Excellence Ontario Historical Society Fred Landon Award for Best Regional History Publication ( Beautiful ) Barrie: The City and Its People: An Illustrated History Ontario Heritage Foundation Community Heritage Achievement Award Ontario Historical Society Special Award of Merit City of Barrie Heritage Conservation Award FMC REQUENT UNICIPAL LIENTS Several heritage impact assessments, heritage designation reports, TC: OWN OF ALEDON and peer reviews on behalf of the Town and/or Caledon property owners. C: ONTACT Town of Caledon, Sally Drummond, Heritage Resource Officer, sally.drummond@caledon.ca. Several heritage impact assessments, heritage designation TC: OWN OF OLLINGWOOD reports, and heritage impact assessment peer reviews on behalf of the Town and/or Collingwood property owners. C:Town of Collingwood, Building Services, Ron ONTACT Martin, rmartin@collingwood.ca. Several heritage reports and periodic consultation. C:City of CO: ONTACT ITY OF RILLIA Orillia, Jeff Duggan, Senior Planner, Development Services Department, Planning Division, 705 325.2171. MHCVR.SHRM2014–74 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 73 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT SP AMPLE OF ROJECTS A. DDITIONAL PROJECT LIST IS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST HI/CHA ERITAGE MPACTULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENTS Heritage Background Report, 1850 Plank Dwelling, PH.CA:c. HILIP ARTER RCHITECT 1985 Bovaird Avenue West, City of Brampton. C:Paul Oberst, 416.504.6497 ONTACT Heritage Impact Assessment, 1588 St. John’s Sideroad, Aurora. 2352107OL.: NTARIO TD C: Joe Vitaro, jvitaro@rogers.com ONTACT Heritage Impact Assessment, 23 Bond Crescent, Town of TRH: OWN OF ICHMOND ILL Richmond Hill. C: Matthew Somerville, Heritage and Urban Design Planner, ONTACT Town of Richmond Hill, 905.771.5529 Heritage Report under the Niagara Escarpment Planning Act. 19293 RK: ICHARD NOWLES Mountainview Road, Town of Caledon. C:Richard Knowles, ONTACT rickknowles27@gmail.com Cultural heritage assessment for the adaptive RDC: UNNYMEDE EVELOPMENT ORPORATION re-use of the 1830 Old Post Inn, 367 Kingston Road East, Ajax. C:David c. ONTACT Eckler, AREA Architects Rasch Eckler Associates Ltd., Toronto, 416.696.1969 Cultural Heritage Assessment for the 1840 Simcoe ORC: NTARIO EALTY ORPORATION County Jail, Barrie, with recommendations on stabilization and future use. C: ONTACT Subcontracted to McGillvray Architects, 416.425.9298. HP ERITAGE RACTICE Interim (first) Registrar for the launch in Ontario of the HPI: ISTORIC LACES NITIATIVE Historic Places Initiative and Canadian Register of Historic Places initiatives of Parks Canada. Responsible for submission of first nominations to the CRHP. C: ONTACT Cultural Services, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, 416.314.7156. Developed two sections, MC:Heritage Resources in the Land Use INISTRY OF ULTURE ; and Planning ProcessHeritage Property Evaluation, A Guide to Listing, Researching, for the Ontario and Evaluating Cultural Heritage Property in Ontario Communities Heritage Tool-Kit series. C:Cultural Services, Ontario Ministry of Tourism, ONTACT Culture and Sport, 416.314.7156. MHCVR.SHRM2014–75 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 74 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT IP NTERPRETATIVE ROJECTS Research report BLAPMSR: OND AKE MUSEMENT ARK AND ETROPOLITAN TREET AILWAY on the historic Metropolitan Street Railway and the Bond Lake Amusement Park to provide the Town of Richmond Hill with a basis for creating interpretive signs, brochures, and programs for the area. C:Parks, Recreation and Culture Department, Town ONTACT of Richmond Hill, 905.771.8870, ext. 3885. Identified, researched, and OMVHCDIP: LD ARKHAM ILLAGE NTERPRETATIVE ROJECT wrote texts for the installation of information stations in Old Markham Village Heritage Conservation District. Recipient of Town of Markham Award of Excellence for Education. C:Town of Markham, Planning Department, Heritage Section, George Duncan, ONTACT 905.477.7000 HCD ERITAGE ONSERVATION ISTRICTS Compilation of the Inventory for the proposed Victoria Square TM: OWN OF ARKHAM Heritage Conservation District. C:Town of Markham, Planning Department, ONTACT Heritage Section, George Duncan, 905.477.7000 Revision of the 2002 Downtown Collingwood Heritage TC: OWN OF OLLINGWOOD Conservation District Plan to comply with the 2005 amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act. C:Town of Collingwood, Building Services, Ron Martin, 705.445.1290 ONTACT Preliminary inventory and analyses of High Street, Sutton, and its TG: OWN OF EORGINA potential as a heritage conservation district. C:Town of Georgina, 905.476.4301 ONTACT MHCVR.SHRM2014–76 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 75 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT BACKGROUND&EXPERIENCE Like many in the heritage trade, Vic Snow has gained his building conservation and restoration expertise through observation, study, and hands on experience. He first held a real hammer at age four, as his grandfather, born in 1895, was a house builder. For over forty years, and for the past twenty years as a full time occupation, Vic has been observing and absorbing knowledge th about 19 century building practices and technology. He also learned from his father in law, born in 1905, who was a heritage advocate and involved in the relocation of a railway station and a log Orange Lodge to the Dufferin County Museum, then in Shelburne. Vic dismantled a log building in 1972, and has a long list of heritage building restoration and rehabilitation projects since that date. Over the years, Vic has assembled a roster of subcontractors, each highly skilled and experienced in the art of heritage restoration. They are called into projects, as needed. Vic's son Reid is a master stonemason and one of only four Canadians accredited by the Dry Stone Wall Association of Great Britain. He is an expert at period stonework and Rumford fireplaces, and a master of all stone reconstruction and restoration. He too first held a real hammer at age four when he drove nearly every nail to build a large doghouse. Vic is a heritage advocate. He is currently an active volunteer with CASSH (Community Association to Save the Stanton Hotel). The objective is to save the Stanton Hotel, a rare, pre confederation, stagecoach hotel built in 1863 by Win Hand, recognized as the "most colourful person in the history of Dufferin County." SELECTION OF PROJECTS (IN VIC'S WORDS) Log Wash House, 1809 I consulted to the Joseph Schneider House Museum (a National Historic Site) and the Region of Waterloo to develop the design for the re-creation/reconstruction of the log wash house, built in 1809 and believed to be the first house in Kitchener. The design is based on archaeological evidence, a surviving 19th century photograph of the Christian Schneider log house (Joseph's brother) built at Doon about 1807, and "educated conjecture." I constructed this Pennsylvanian, V-notch style, bank log house with a pent roof and a very large stone fireplace, on its original site. This 1.5 storey structure is 800 sq. ft. and serves as a living museum, interpreting life on a Pennsylvanian German Mennonite farm during the 1850s. Based on period accuracy, visitors have to be told it is not the original building. MHCVR.SHRM2014–77 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 76 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT Striker Family House, 1859 For private owners in Prince Edward County, I restored the Striker Family house, a Georgian style stone house. The work entailed returning it accurately to its 1859 splendour. It is now designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. Many people actively involved in heritage preservation compliment the attention to period detail. Stryker Log House, 1847; and Log House, c.1850 For the same owners as the Striker Family house, I dismantled, re-erected, and restored to period accuracy, two log houses. Both are now designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. The 1847 Stryker (different surname spelling for different family) log house was facing impending demolition at Wellesley, Waterloo County. I rebuilt the house on the owner's second property near Lake Ontario. The large majority of floorboards and vertical partition pine boards are 25" in width, a width of board rarely seen in large numbers. The logs are keyed in the V- notch manner and the house is the uncommon Saltbox form. The missing large cooking fireplace was also reconstructed based on information that became obvious during the dismantling. An exceptional, .1850, three bay, log house from Renfrew County was restored. The logs were c up to 28 inches in width. The front facade, with three, second floor windows, and a central door and two windows below, forms perfect Georgian symmetry. This house has a large Rumford fireplace with bake oven. Abandoned for several years, the structure had considerable decay in several upper logs because of a roof leak. These were repaired/replaced to absolute perfection. Log House, 1859; and Log House, 1871 These two log houses (1859 and 1871) were dismantled for the owners and subsequently rebuilt on their weekend property near Markdale. Both were abandoned buildings in poor condition. One had served as a shed. The project included a timber frame ("post and beam") central structure, while the two log houses were separate wings, 5,500 sq. ft. in total. In addition, a timber frame barn at Barrie was dismantled and reconstructed on the property. Atkinson Nelson House, 1832, Richmond Hill With impending demolition for a housing development, this 1832 house was dismantled and rebuilt/restored in historic Meadowvale village. This is a fine, timber frame, Georgian style house with a centre hall plan. It now has a roughcast exterior exactly duplicating the original, as well as three Rumford fireplaces with their original mantles. It is a landmark in Meadowvale. Moses Toole House, 1849 The 1849 Moses Toole house near Mount Albert was built by John Doan, who also built the Sharon Temple (a National Historic Site). His initials are carved in one of the four "plates." This is a full two storey, over 5000 sq. ft., clapboard clad house built in the vertical plank manner with an attached timber frame coachhouse. The planks are 19 ft. long, 3" thick, with the largest being 32" in width. It has a large Rumford fireplace, 89" by 70" in height. The house had not been lived in since 1939 but survived in almost perfect condition with only two out of twenty interior doors MHCVR.SHRM2014–78 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 77 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT missing. It had to be moved for preservation. The front foundation had collapsed into the basement but the large hewn pine sills maintained the structural integrity and prevented collapse of the frame. The house has a rare umbrage, seven exterior doors, with all period hardware, fireplace crane, and andirons surviving. This is my personal residence. Caledon East Orange Lodge, c.1860 About to be demolished because of its location and condition, the Town of Caledon contracted me as a consultant for this 1860 Caledon East Orange Lodge. It was evident that the large 12" c. x 11" sills had extensive decay. I consulted with building movers with 50 years experience, who advised that it could not be moved intact. The only alternative was to dismantle this building before relocation. This is a heavy timber frame structure with many extraordinary features and likely the finest surviving example of an Orange Lodge in Ontario. Restoration will be to an open area adjacent to the Caledon Town Hall. The Lodge, with a new rear extension to house a kitchen and three washrooms, etc., will be used for municipal staff meetings and rented for wedding receptions and other functions. The extension will match every period detail of the Lodge building. Pendergast Log House, c.1855 I dismantled the 1855 Pendergast log house near Brampton, as it would otherwise be lost to a c. new housing development underway by Royal Pine Homes. The house will be restored on the grounds of the Historic Bovaird House, owned by the City of Brampton. The interior had been altered over the years and the house was in dilapidated condition. It will be restored based on what was ascertained during the dismantling, with minimal conjecture. The house has an uncommon, central Rumford fireplace. Atkinson Log House, c.1847 Due to impending demolition, I dismantled the .1847 Atkinson log house, relocating it from c Melancthon Township for the Dufferin County Museum & Archives. This house is a full two storey structure with an enormous stone fireplace, the chimney alone being 5 1/2 ft. wide above the roof. All surviving dismantled components are safely stored at the Museum grounds pending reconstruction and restoration. Log House, Dornoch Pending demolition, I dismantled this 32' x 24' log house at Dornoch for private owners. All components are safely stored on their property near Stanton, Dufferin County, pending reconstruction. The logs are hemlock with uncommon compound dovetailing and are up to 22" in width. The structure has a ceiling height of almost 9 ft. on the first floor and the second floor knee walls exceed 6 ft., again uncommon. MHCVR.SHRM2014–79 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 78 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT E NDNOTES 1 The initial site visit conducted by both consultants was on September 19, 2013. 2 Information is in the Township of Oro-Medonte file: R03-006928 V-001. 3 The NHS dedication ceremony was in 2003. 4 Tim Crawford is currently pursuing World Heritage Site status for the site. 5 Research provided by Gary French indicates there were other Black settler associated burial grounds in Oro Township. The Samuel Jackson property, east part, Lot 11, Concession 6, had a burial ground. Jackson was a Baptist lay preacher and dedicated an acre for the use of a Baptist church. The congregation was primarily White. The northeast corner of the Benjamin Turner property, east half, Lot 12, Concession 4, was sold in 1858 to the British Methodist Episcopal Church as a burial ground. 6 Township of Oro, Second Edition, 1987, pps.171-172. , The Story of Oro 7 The first edition of The Story of Oro as published in 1972. It is not known what, if any, part of this structure still stands in 2014. Lot 10, Concession 3, Oro Township was not a Black settlement lot. 8 This is an online edition. 9 Township of Oro-Medonte file: R03-006928 v-001. 10 It should be noted that not all African Methodist Episcopal congregations joined with the British Methodist Episcopal once it was established in Canada in 1856. 11 This is confirmed by two obituaries in a local newspaper, copies of which were provided by Wayne Lintack without any citations. 12 Simcoe County Archives holds minutes of the Restoration of the African Church in Oro Township Committee, 1947-1949. Accession 2008-112, Simcoe County Clerk's Office fonds, E5B3R3006S1Sh6; and Simcoe County Special Committees minutes and records, 1943-1946. 13 R.W. Thom was a Collingwood historian. 14 Township of Oro-Medonte file: Permanent 0328 7-7-5-34 RO1-000387 v-001 African Church 1989. MHCVR.SHRM2014–80 S U URDOCH ISTORICAL ONSULTING AND ICTOR NOW ERITAGE ESTORATION AY Page 79 of 80 3.a) Su Murdoch, Historical Consulting and Victor R. Snow, H... OACCHA RO FRICAN HURCH ULTURAL ERITAGE SSESSMENT 15 Township of Oro-Medonte file: Permanent 0328 7-7-5-34 RO1-000387 v-001 African Church 1989 16 Township of Oro-Medonte file: R01-000387 v-001 Permanent 0328 7-7-5-34. 17 Township of Oro-Medonte file: Permanent 0328 7-7-5-34 RO1-000387 v-001 African Church 1989. 18 Township of Oro-Medonte file: Permanent 0328 7-7-5-34 RO1-000387 v-001 African Church 1989. 19 Clowes Branch of the Women’s Institute, Tweedsmuir History, Simcoe County Archives. 20 Township of Oro-Medonte file: Permanent 0328 7-7-5-34 RO1-000387 v-001 African Church 1989. 21 Township of Oro-Medonte file: R01-011338 v-001. 22 Clowes Tweedsmuir History. 23 Parks Canada , p.5, D Intervening. Standards and Guidelines 24 Parks Canada , pps. 2-3. Standards and Guidelines 25 The Parks Canada response was an email to Su Murdoch from Natalie-Anne Bussière Gestionnaire P.I., conservation du patrimoine bâti |A/ Manager, Built Heritage Conservation Parcs Canada. 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