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Black History Exhibition came to Collingwood during Black History Month .... the United Church Looks Toward a Second Century.

A Celebration of Resilience, Belonging, and Bold Discipleship

Trinity United Church in Collingwood, Ontario was proud to hold the highly anticipated exhibition of the Black History Exhibition: “Here From the Beginning”, an inspiring tribute to the profound contributions of Black communities to The United Church of Canada.

Created in 2025 as part of the 100th Anniversary celebrations of the denomination, the exhibition was available for viewing on Sunday, February 1 and on Monday, February 2.

This groundbreaking exhibition offered visitors a unique opportunity to discover the rich and resilient history of Black people within The United Church of Canada. Through stories of leadership, struggle, and triumph, the exhibition highlighted the indelible mark left by Black individuals on the church's history, work, and mission.

Some Background: Available in both English and French, the exhibition is designed for both print and virtual formats, ensuring accessibility to a wide audience. Following its Edmonton debut, it embarked on a cross-country journey, visiting all 16 regions of The United Church of Canada.

**What to expect**:

Visitors viewed engaging and thoughtfully curated panels such as:

  • “British North America and Nouvelle France” – A look at Black communities before 1900.
  • “Discomfort in the House of God” – Examining the challenges of inclusion.
  • “Standing Against Anti-Black Racism” – Stories of resilience and activism.
  • “Profiles of Black Leadership” – Spotlighting influential figures like Rev. Dr. Charles Este, Rev. Dr. Wilbur Howard, and Rev. Maria Chela Chikueka.
  • “Black Clergy Network” – Presenting the vibrant future of Black leadership in the church.

The exhibition promises to educate, inspire, and empower visitors with its message of unity and belonging. The exhibition aims to enable attendees to recall the history of the United Church through the perspectives of Black people, uncovering often-overlooked aspects of the church’s history and interpreting its legacy through a new lens.

**Collaborative Effort**:

This initiative is supported by an impressive list of sponsors, including:

  • The United Church of Canada Foundation
  • Pilgrim United Church, Edmonton
  • Broadview Magazine
  • Sightfactory Ltd
  • The Black Clergy Network of The United Church of Canada
  • All 16 Regional Councils of The United Church of Canada