Sandwich First Baptist Church
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
Backstory and Context
Text-to-speech Audio
A focal point for many local anti-slavery activities, the Sandwich First Baptist Church stands as an important symbol of that struggle. When a bounty hunter was seen in the area, a bell was rung and every person who heard the ringing of the bell picked up a bell and began to ring it so that those who had escaped from the South would have time to hide in a designated spot in the church. The pastor would lock the door at the hearing of the bell. When all the enslaved people were hidden away he would instruct his church to start singing "There’s a Stranger at the Door" and the church doors would be opened. Unable to find whoever they were looking for; the bounty hunter left the church and the area.
When you visit Sandwich First Baptist Church today, you will be transported back in time to discover what folklore and history have taught us.
Sources
George Williams was separated from half of his family at a very young age. He then lived in Ohio as a free man, but did not find as great success until he moved to Sandwich, Ontario.