Historic Hamilton: Methodist Row Traditional Cache

You are looking for a camouflaged pill container with only a log. Please bring your own pen, and make sure the container is hidden from view when you replace it. Parking is available roadside on the gravel shoulder, or your can turn into Redeemer's driveway. It will be tougher with snow on the ground, but should still be 'available'

Historic Hamilton is a series of caches that serve to bring cachers to historic places in and around the City of Hamilton. These caches can be placed by anyone, and are not limited to one CO. If you know of a historic place that you would like to bring people to, feel free to add it to the series!

Back in the very early days of Ancaster, the stretch of road that we now call Garner's Rd / Hwy 53 - from Bowman United Church over to the intersection with Shaver Rd (Duff's Corners) - was referred to as 'Methodist Row'. This name came from the proliferation of Methodist churches along this 9km stretch of road. At one time there four churches, but today only two of them are still active: Bowman Church (GC721NW) and Bethesda Church (GC2V4N9).

BETHESDA CHURCH

Garner's Corner Church has disappeared, and all that remains is a cemetery (where you will find GC2BQJ2).

However, White Brick Church still stands, but without and power or heating it hosts but one service per year, in June. But the building and its cemetery, (where you will find GC4ZC8K) are well maintained.

WHY SO MANY CHURCHES?

The reason for this many different churches in such close proximity is due to the existence of divisions within the Methodist Church. The settlers from England were Wesleyan, those from the US were Episcopalian. There were also three other divisions: New Connection, Primitive and Ryanite Methodists. Quarrelling over points of doctrine led to schism and the building of four churches in a five mile stretch, each with its own cemetery. These cemeteries are well kept and the final resting place for the descendants of the original settlers.

A secondary reason for so many churches many have been because land was often given free for the erection of church buildings, and labour was cheap and probably voluntary. Trees were available for the lumber required, and bricks were often made on pioneer farms.

A view from behind White Brick Church