The Settlement of Auld Kirk Traditional Geocache
The Settlement of Auld Kirk
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(small)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
Revisting the old Scotch settlement Auld Kirk with the Presbyterian church dating back to 1869.
We have always driven down Hwy 88 and seen the sign for the historical site of Auld Kirk and never had a chance to visit it.
Hopefully with a cache here, more people will have the opportunity to relive history by visiting this old church and cemetary. The inscription provided by the historical society reads: "In 1815 some 140 Highland Scots from Lord Selkirk's Red River Settlement, disheartened by crop failures and the opposition of the North West Company, moved to Upper Canada. Transported in the Nor 'Westers' canoes, they disembarked at Holland Landing in September. They found temporary employment in the Yonge Street settlements but in 1819 many took up land in West Gwillimbury. In 1823 Presbyterian services were held in a building on this site which was replaced by a frame church in 1827. The present structure was completed in 1869."
Wikipedia goes on to say "The Auld Kirk Scotch Settlement was the first and largest settlement in all of Simcoe County. The Sermons at the church were held in Gaelic from the settlers native Scotland. Many of the original settlers of the area were buried in the cemetery within the church property, which still exists to this day. Presbyterian services ended around 1940 when the Church proved to be outdated and too small for services."
There is a gate at the entrance to the site but no lock. This cache is best attempted during the day when you can experience the history of the area and the view of the surrounding countryside. For another Scotch Settlement cache check out Scotch Settlement Arboretum. Another nearby Presbyterian cache is St. John's at Coulson Hill.
**Congrats to Ciggy for FTF and Cameleon Family for honourable mention. You two are a couple of hardcore cachers!
** Note: as this is an historical site and especially since there is a cemetary on the premises please tread with care and respect the property (as I know all cachers do).
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)