There were many hidden codes of the Underground Railroad that helped slaves flee the plantations of the southern United States and find freedom in Canada.

Quilts were embedded with clues and spiritual songs had coded messages detailing the route to freedom.

Niagara’s role in the quest for freedom and the music it inspired was the focus of a day-long gospel workshop held at St. Andrews United Church on Saturday.

“Gospel music helped slaves who were escaping to the north by giving them the routes to take and the safe places to stay,” said Laura Thomas, artistic director of Niagara-based chamber choir Choralis Camerata, which hosted the event.

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