Starting in the 1840s, the First Congregational Church played an active role in social reforms, civil rights, and the anti-slavery movement. In this setting, the congregation tried to do what was right, working below the radar and breaking the law to help runaway slaves while dealing with the conflicting views of pro-slavery community members. Passionate sermons from Reverend William Sullivan and Reverend Gustavis Foster were famous for their biblical arguments against slavery, stirring the souls of the congregation and rippling throughout the state of Michigan. During the decades leading up to the American Civil War, Jackson, Michigan, was both hub and haven for thousands of slaves escaping through the human network called the Underground Railroad. The ultimate destination, usually Canada, varied by slave and guide, but it was always considered the land of freedom and was sought one night, one mile, and one act of kindness at a time. Several community leaders and families in Jackson secretly housed, clothed, fed, and reassured runaways, while others supportive of the business of slavery openly hunted and punished escaped slaves or anyone aiding their flight. Some northerners even captured runaways and returned them to servitude, and not every slave on the Underground Railroad escaped.