Church members actively promoted the abolitionist movement, often harboring fugitive slaves en route to Canada. These activities were not always well received by some members of the community and it is believed that slavery supporters caused the fire that destroyed the first church building in 1862. Over the next five years, a determined congregation raised the money needed to rebuild the church in 1867. Today, the church continues to stand on downtown Indianapolis' West Vermont Street. Visitors are welcome to attend services and tour the building.
Visitors actually become runaway slaves on a physical and intellectual journey to freedom.
As fugitive slaves, participants escape from a verbally harsh slave master, then cover about two miles of rural and village terrain, encountering people and events that demonstrate the racial mood of the 1830s. Some people they encounter are helpful. Some are not. The program began in November 1998 and will start again in April 1999. Throughout February, Indiana offers a variety of events and activities to honor and celebrate Black History Month.