14
Wilma (Miller) Morrison - with Margaret Cadham at Norval Johnson Heritage Library opening16 March 1991
Peer Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Norval Johnson Heritage Centre
15
Norval Freeman Johnson20th Century, Circa 1950
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Norval Johnson Heritage Centre
16
Norval Freeman Johnson20th Century, Circa 1970
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Norval Johnson Heritage Centre
17
2000On July 1, Canada Day, Nathaniel Dett Memorial Chapel British Methodist Episcopal Church was declared a Designated National Historic Site. And new carpeting was installed on the altar.
2001
On August 19, Ron Dale of Parks Canada hosted a wonderful program in celebration of the National Historic Site Designation. Held in the garden at the rear of the Chapel, alongside the dignitaries there were 3 generations of Oliver Pernell's relatives also attending: Mrs Helen Drew of Erie, Pennsylvania; the granddaughter of R. Nathaniel Dett, Elisa Rice, and her son from Staten Island.
2002
Donald Thomas installed an altar rail as well as an arch surrounding the cross behind the pulpit before the Chapel lost its aptly nicknamed "Builder" to cancer in December. These two features were donated by Jan Kamphuis who had purchased Willoughby United Church which had been built in the 1860s by a then large local German community. Mr Kamphuis also intended to see the vocalion organ repaired, however the needed funding has not yet materialized.
2003
The exterior of the Dett Chapel had become shabby, with aluminium siding now spray painted over and covering a layer of asbestos siding that needed to be removed to meet safety standards. A number of charitable organizations were approached for financial assistance with this refurbishment project and the Ontario Trillium Foundation granted $30,000 in support - much to the consternation of some members of the BME Church Conference. As conference members were reminded that funding was necessary to complete the task at hand, James Alexander, a heritage restoration specialist residing in Niagara-on-the-Lake, began to remove the siding and repair any damage to the Chapel structure.
2004-2005
Exterior work on the Chapel slowly continued with insulation then siding being installed. In late 2005, following removal of the siding, it was discovered the 3 main support beams for the Chapel were severely damaged. While beams on the east and south sides were fairly easily repaired, damage to the west side beam put the structure in danger of collapse if not immediately braced and repaired. This additional cost was not covered under the available Trillium Foundation support and it became necessary to request finds from the BME Conference coffers. The Board agreed to provide $15,000 to see the required work carried out and the Nathaniel Dett Memorial Chapel was pleased to be able to offer thanks to the members of the Conference for this support.
2006
Restoration and repairs were finally completed, with a portion of the original chapel siding covering the upper south wall of the building. The Heritage Committee of Niagara Falls granted a further sum of money to replace the front doors of the Chapel to restore them to match those in a photo of the Chapel taken in the early 20th Century. James Alexander was again hired for the door restoration project.
2007
The restored exterior front doors were installed, though still in need of minor adjustment. An unanticipated offer of support from the Ministry of Citizenship and Culture of the Province of Ontario helped to make the Dett Chapel more accessible to all visitors. The interior front entranceway was stripped of its dark wood panelling; plastered and painted to make it brighter and more inviting without compromising historic integrity. Interior doors were replaced; the ramp installed from the Sanctuary to the rear Sunday School Room widened for better accessibility; washrooms improved and also made accessible.
2008
On October 25, a "Thank You Celebration" Service was held to acknowledge all those who had helped support the now completed refurbishment of the Nathaniel Dett Memorial Chapel of the British Methodist Episcopal Church in Niagara Falls.
18
National Historic Site Designation Ceremony for Nathaniel Dett Memorial Chapel20th Century, Circa July 2000
Peer Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Norval Johnson Heritage Centre
19
R Nathaniel Dett's Granddaughter at Chapel Designation Ceremony20th Century, Circa July 2000
Peer Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Norval Johnson Heritage Centre
20
National Historic Site Plaque, Nathaniel Dett Memorial Chapel20th Century, Circa July 2000
Peer Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Norval Johnson Heritage Centre
21
Front View of Nathaniel Dett Church20th Century, Circa 2007
Peer Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Norval Johnson Heritage Centre
22
Nathaniel Dett Memorial Chapel, view of the restored front doors20th Century, Circa 2008
Peer Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Norval Johnson Heritage Centre
23
Nathaniel Dett Memorial Chapel, interior view, rear of sanctuary20th Century, Circa 2007
Peer Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Norval Johnson Heritage Centre
24
Nathaniel Dett Memorial Chapel, interior view, front of sanctuary, with "Freedom Trail" poster20th Century, Circa 2007
Peer Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Norval Johnson Heritage Centre
25
Nathaniel Dett Memorial Chapel, interior view including vocalion organ played by Nathaniel Dett20th Century, Circa 2007
Peer Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Norval Johnson Heritage Centre
26
Wilma (Miller) Morrison and Marjorie (Bell) Dawson - Preserving Anthony Burns Grave17 March 2009
Pelham Road, St Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Recorded by: K.E. Lyn Royce
Transcribed by: K.E. Lyn Royce
27
Marjorie Dawson - Anthony Burns Grave Site Anniversary Event19 September 1988
St Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Credits:Courtesy: Marjorie Dawson
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