ORO Freedom Institute

Did you know one of the oldest African log churches in North America still stands today in Oro-Medonte, Ontario?

Built in 1849 by descendants of Black settlers, the Oro African Methodist Episcopal Church became a place of worship, community, and resilience. Designated a National Historic Site in 2000 and restored in 2016, it now serves as a powerful symbol of Black Canadian history and heritage.

At Oro Freedom Institute, we preserve this legacy through education, storytelling, and community engagement. Our mission is to ensure these stories are never forgotten.

Learn more at

Oro Medonte Freedom Institute Slide 1Slide 1 (current slide) Slide 2Slide 2 (current slide) Slide 3Slide 3 (current slide) Slide 4Slide 4 (current slide) TIME MACHINE The timeline feature offers an interactive journal of key milestones in history that relates to the rich history of the Oro African Methodist Episcopal Church. 182...

The Oro Freedom Institute is rooted in one of North America’s oldest African log churches, built in 1849.

This sacred site tells the story of resilience, beginning with Richard Pierpoint — a man kidnapped from Senegal, enslaved, and later freed. Pierpoint fought in the War of 1812 and helped establish the Oro Black Settlement, laying the foundation for the community that followed.

After decades of preservation efforts, the Oro African Methodist Episcopal Church was restored and reopened in 2016. Today, it stands as a symbol of history, strength, and community.

Looking ahead, we are working to build a 4,000–6,000 sq. ft. Interpretive Center to share the Oro African Story, connect it to broader Black Canadian history, and preserve it for generations to come.

Our vision is guided by the Akan proverb Sankofa — “It is not taboo to go back and fetch what you forgot.” By honoring the past, we strengthen our future.

Join us in preserving history, honoring resilience, and building community. Follow the Oro Freedom Institute and be part of this important journey.

Welcome to the Oro Freedom Institute

We are honored to share the story of the Oro African Methodist Episcopal Church—one of the oldest African log churches in North America, built in 1849 and designated a National Historic Site in 2000. Restored and reopened in 2016, this sacred space stands today as a living testament to resilience, community, and Black Canadian heritage.

The Oro Freedom Institute is dedicated to:
• Preserving and honoring history
• Creating educational opportunities for all ages
• Building community through storytelling, tours, and programs
• Inspiring healing, resilience, and transformation

We invite you to follow our journey, join our programs, and be part of the work of remembrance and renewal. Together, we look back with gratitude and forward with purpose.

Visit us at the historic site in Oro-Medonte, Ontario, or explore our initiatives online: www.orofreedom.ca

Oro Medonte Freedom Institute Slide 1Slide 1 (current slide) Slide 2Slide 2 (current slide) Slide 3Slide 3 (current slide) Slide 4Slide 4 (current slide) TIME MACHINE The timeline feature offers an interactive journal of key milestones in history that relates to the rich history of the Oro African Methodist Episcopal Church. 182...