Halifax orders report looking at possible evidence of churches in historic Black community

A sign commemorating The Avenue is pictured in Dartmouth, N.S., on Feb. 16, 2023. (Paul Hollingsworth/CTV)

Halifax council has ordered a staff report on conducting an archeological assessment on the presence of former churches in the historic Black community known as The Avenue in Dartmouth.

If the assessment goes forward and uncovers evidence of church buildings at 232 and 234 Crichton Ave., the municipality could rescind the properties’ surplus status and evaluate the possibility of a commemorative park at the site.

Carolyn Fowler, who grew up and still lives on The Avenue, said there is already a plethora of information and research on the community that could help with the staff report. She also notes there are still descendants of the original residents of The Avenue who continue to live in the community.

“I think a community consultation is important,” Fowler said. “There’s a lot of information we have.”

Kate Foster is a writer who has explored the history of The Avenue. She notes it dates back to at least 1814 and was settled by Black refugees during and after the War of 1812.

“The history there is quite old,” she said. “I think it’s an important thing that whatever happens there, the city treats the area with great respect and care.”

Clergyman Richard Preston established a church in The Avenue in 1827. It burned down in the 1860s and a new one was built in the area around 1871, according to Foster.

That church also burned down in 1896.

Local historian David Jones said a third church was built on Victoria Road near the Dartmouth Commons.

Councillor Sam Austin, who brought forth the motion on the staff report, said the municipality needs “to figure out what exactly we have” on The Avenue.

In 2020 council designated 232 and 234 Crichton Ave. as surplus for potential use as affordable housing. The motion, which passed 17-0 on Tuesday, calls for further examination of the site.

“If 232 and 234 Crichton Avenue were indeed the home of the original African Nova Scotian Baptist churches, HRM should consider whether the sale of these properties is warranted and whether instead the properties should be retained for future use as a commemorative park,” the motion reads.

Jones said while the staff report is a “good step forward,” he notes it’s taken several years for council to address the potential historic significance of the properties.

“I don’t think these properties should be listed as surplus because they’re in The Avenue,” he said. “It’s been a very slow process.”

Fowler is also calling for 234 Crichton Ave. to be immediately removed from the surplus property list.

Foster said the idea of a commemorative park could be an opportunity to explore and share Black history in Nova Scotia.

“This is an excellent opportunity for something positive and good,” she said. “It’s a chance where Black history can be explained. I’d love to see something permanent to reflect Black history.”

“This is a chance to have our history recognized,” Fowler said.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page