Bethel Chapel Methodist Church Cemetery
Also known as: Bethel Chapel Canadian Wesleyan New Connexion Cemetery
Location:
1172 Britannia Road, Burlington, Halton Region, Ontario, Canada.
Concession 1, lot 5, Nelson Township.
GPS:
Latitude: 43.4025°N
Longitude: –79.9267°W
History:
During the summer of 1853, Bethel Chapel was built on a small corner of land given to the local congregation of the Canadian Wesleyan Methodist New Connexion Church by John Prudham, an early pioneer of the district, for the sum of three pounds and fifteen shillings. John Prudham was born in Yorkshire England in 1807, came to Canada in 1832 and was married to Elizabeth Foster in 1839. William Bousfield, another resident of the area, provided the timbers to build the chapel and also split the shingles at his mill in Tally Ho. Situated on Lot 5 Concession 1 New Survey Nelson Township Bethel Chapel is not only one of the few original Methodist churches still remaining but serves as a historical record of the past.
The original inscription over the door reads BETHEL CHAPEL C W N C (Canadian Wesleyan New Connexion) AD 1853. Bethel Chapel served its congregation with regular services for only a short time. In 1874 a union of the Canadian Wesleyan Methodist New Connexion Church with two other Wesleyan Methodist groups happened, forming the Methodist Church of Canada. As a result, Bethel Chapel was closed in favour of churches on the Lowville and Carlisle circuits.
For the next 60 years Bethel Chapel remained closed until the mid-1930’s when the grandson of John Prudham, Charles A. Prudham, joined together with the direct descendants of the area’s pioneers to preserve this little chapel and cemetery. The Board of Trustees was formed and included Charles Prudham, Elmer Foster, A J Harris, George Coverdale and William Vollick. At this time the building was painted, and a fence was installed, donated by Harry Prudham of Galt, grandson of John Prudham.
Many features of this beautiful Chapel are worth highlighting. The great door of the Chapel symbolizes the scripture “I am the door: By me if any man enter in, he shall be saved” (John 10:9). These same doors are portrayed in the renowned artist Robert Bateman’s painting “Chapel Doors” (1967). To open these doors the original hand forged key is still used. There are six windows in this little structure with forty-five panes each – most are the original. In place on the wide pine board floors are the original wooden pews which, after being used in Kilbride Community Hall for some time, were returned and repainted. The Chapel’s pulpit has a fence surrounding it and doors on either side of the minister’s bench. The original wood stove is also present. There is no electricity, so the immediate neighbours kindly allow an extension cord to be run from their home in order to supply electricity for the annual service.
The Cemetery deserves spotlighting as well. Early pioneers are buried here as are their descendants. There are elegant monuments and there are small ground markers. One particular monument with a heart shaped rock in the centre was handmade by Lawrence Peer for his son. Oaks and pines embellish the churchyard. The current fence was donated in 1972.
When the 100th anniversary of Bethel Chapel was celebrated in 1953, the Board of Trustees consisted of Gordon Coverdale, Elmer Foster, Arthur Harris, Ross Harbottle and treasurer Harvey Prudham. In 1969 Harvey, a great-grandson of John Prudham, donated more land for the cemetery, which is mainly restricted to descendants of those buried.
Once a year on the Sunday following Labour Day, the descendants return with bouquets in arms to decorate the graves of their ancestors. Following a worship service in the Chapel, the visitors wander the churchyard, reflecting on their relatives and on what life must have been like in rural Halton County in the 1800’s. Remarkably many families still live in the area. Through this annual service and the generosity of the descendants, the graveyard and the small chapel have been kept in excellent condition. The original walls of lathe were plastered in 1975 and painted in 1976. The walls were repainted in 1988 and a steel roof was installed in 1993. The Bible of 1866 was restored in 1996. The collection plates were donated in memory of James and Olivia Ayton. In 2006 the Chapel was lifted allowing for the building of a new foundation.
In 2002 Bethel received the honour of a Heritage award which recognizes property owners who have made significant practical contributions to the conservation of Burlington’s heritage. Quoted from the Hamilton Spectator: “Keeping a frame structure like this in excellent authentic condition for 150 years is a testimony to the strength and integrity of many generations – not only its first builders – but also those who have continued to build it anew for the generations yet to come.” This plaque is on display in the chapel.
Transcription purchase:
Transcriptions of this cemetery are available for digital download from the OGS website – click here to order via credit card.