“Don’t Talk Defeat to Me”

This paper examines the First Baptist Church of Toronto, the oldest Black institution in the city, and its connection to memory, self-remembrance, and community throughout its nearly 200-year history. Its heritage room is discussed in particular depth; built into the worship space, it is the place where the intangible culture of the church is made tangible through material objects that not only represent its history, but also the diverse populations of its present congregation. The paper utilizes historical museum and archival sources, as well as interviews with the pastor and several congregants, to meaningfully convey the shared values, memories, and actionable goals of the church, while also sharing insights directly from the community about how they connect their current identity to their individual and shared past.