African Nova Scotian Teaching and Learning Resources

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (newspaper clipping)

The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church opened in 1846. It stood for over a century at the southwest corner of Gottingen and Falkland Streets, in the heart of Black Halifax. It was demolished ca. 1955. The Black Methodist community in Halifax dated back to the preaching of Moses Wilkinson ("Old Moses") and Boston King on the eve of the exodus of the free African Nova Scotians to Sierra Leone in early 1792. The original of the photo which appeared in the newspaper has been lost. The photo was likely taken in 1938.

Date: 12 September 1938

Reference: Nova Scotia Archives "Make Appeal In Behalf Of Church", Halifax Mail 12 September 1938 p.2 (microfilm 7288)

Questions to Consider

What do you think is happening in the photograph?

Who is shown in the photograph?

What type of event is shown in the photograph?

What do you think is the center of attention or focus of the photograph?

Why do you think this photograph was taken? Who do you think the intended audience was?

How do you think the photograph reflects the attitude and values of the time in which it was taken?

Do you notice anything unusual or unexpected about the photograph?

If the photograph depicts an event:

When do you think it took place?

Where do you think it took place?

Do you think this is a unique event or something that happened often?

If you think the event is unique, then what do you think make it unique?

If the photograph depicts a person or people:

Can you name the people in the photograph? What ages do you think they might be?

Is the person well known or famous for something in particular?

Where do you think the people lived?

What do you think the people's main activities were?

What sort of things can you tell about the people based on how they are dressed?