NATHANIEL DETT CHAPEL

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Designated: Yes - 1/27/1986

Historical Notes

THE LAND FOR THE CHURCH WAS DONATED BY OLIVER PARNELL AND HIS WIFE MATILDA, BOTH OF WHOM HAD ESCAPED FROM SLAVERY IN THE U.S. FOR MANY PEOPLE WHO FOLLOWED THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD AND SETTLED IN NIAGARA FALLS, THIS CHURCH SERVED AS THEIR SPIRITUAL, SOCIALAND EDUCATIONAL CENTRE OF THEIR COMMUNITY.

Architectural Notes

THE BUILDING WAS MOVED TO ITS PRESENT SITE IN 1856 USING LOGS AS ROLLERS. A REAR ADDITION WAS BUILT AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY AS THE MINISTER'S RESIDENCE; IT IS NOW THE NORVAL JOHNSON LIBRARY. THE CHURCH WAS ORIGINALLY COVERED WITH CLAPBOARD.