Église Union United Church
Dublin Core
Title
Église Union United Church
Subject
Church
Description
In 1905, Black women in Montreal founded the Coloured Women’s Club in response to widespread racial discrimination, including the denial of adequate health care during the smallpox epidemic. As Canada’s oldest Black womens institution, their work laid the foundation for the creation of stronger community institutions in the St. Antoine District.
In 1907, Black railway porters and their wives met to establish a worship space that reflected their dignity, cultural traditions, and desire for equality. They adopted a Covenant formally creating Union Congregational Church, and on September 1st, twenty-six members gathered for the first service. Known as the “porters’ church,” Union United responded to the needs of families whose husbands and fathers were often away for long stretches due to railway work. The church provided essential assistance, food, clothing, shelter, and other social services, to help stabilize the community.
In 1927, the Negro Community Centre (NCC) was formed out of the church’s growing network of social programs. Initially housed in the church basement, it later expanded into its own building in the 1950s. The NCC offered educational, cultural, and recreational programs that strengthened the physical, social, and cultural well-being of Little Burgundy residents.
During the 1930s and 1940s, Union United also became a central hub for the arts, supporting the Excelsior Drama and Debating Club, the Negro Theatre Guild, the Phyllis Wheatly Arts Club, and other musical activities that nurtured local talent. Together, Union United Church and the NCC built the foundation of community life in Little Burgundy, shaping the neighbourhood’s social support systems, cultural identity, and long-lasting historical significance.
In 1907, Black railway porters and their wives met to establish a worship space that reflected their dignity, cultural traditions, and desire for equality. They adopted a Covenant formally creating Union Congregational Church, and on September 1st, twenty-six members gathered for the first service. Known as the “porters’ church,” Union United responded to the needs of families whose husbands and fathers were often away for long stretches due to railway work. The church provided essential assistance, food, clothing, shelter, and other social services, to help stabilize the community.
In 1927, the Negro Community Centre (NCC) was formed out of the church’s growing network of social programs. Initially housed in the church basement, it later expanded into its own building in the 1950s. The NCC offered educational, cultural, and recreational programs that strengthened the physical, social, and cultural well-being of Little Burgundy residents.
During the 1930s and 1940s, Union United also became a central hub for the arts, supporting the Excelsior Drama and Debating Club, the Negro Theatre Guild, the Phyllis Wheatly Arts Club, and other musical activities that nurtured local talent. Together, Union United Church and the NCC built the foundation of community life in Little Burgundy, shaping the neighbourhood’s social support systems, cultural identity, and long-lasting historical significance.
Creator
Archives Montreal
Source
Église Union United Church, 1970, VM6,R4335-2-004, Archives Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Publisher
Archives Montreal
Date
1970
Contributor
Archives Montreal
Rights
Archives Montreal
Type
Image
Still Image Item Type Metadata
Original Format
Photo
Files
Citation
Archives Montreal, “Église Union United Church,” Black Canadian History Exhibit, accessed December 5, 2025, http://omeka.uottawa.ca/mathieu-black-canadian-history-exhibit/items/show/186.