Our History

In 1853 Bethel Chapel was built on a small corner of land given by John Prudham, an early pioneer of this district, for the sum of 3 pounds, 15 shillings. 

Situated on Lot 5, Concession 1, New Survey, Nelson Township, Bethel Chapel is one of the few original Methodist churches still remaining.  It is now located officially within the City of Burlington. 

. . . During the summer of 1853, a simple frame structure to be known as Bethel Chapel, was built by the local adherents of the Canadian Wesleyan Methodist New Connexion Church. William Bousfield provided the timbers for the chapel to be erected, and also split the shingles at his mill in Tally Ho. This softly rolling land must have reminded the pioneers of the England they had left behind. In many ways, even now, it still would.

Bethel Chapel served its congregation with regular services for only a short time. In 1874, a church union, of the Canadian Wesleyan Methodist New Connexion Church with two other Wesleyan Methodist group took place, to form the Methodist Church of Canada. As a result of that union, Bethel Chapel was closed in favour of churches on the Lowville and Carlisle circuits.

Bethel Chapel remained closed for the next 60 years, until the mid 1930's, when the grandson of John Prudham, Charles A. Prudham, together with the direct descendants of the area's pioneers, helped to preserve this little chapel and cemetery. The Board of Trustees, including Charles Prudham, Elmer Foster, A.J. Harris, George Coverdale and William Vollick, was formed to be in charge of the chapel. The building was painted and a fence was installed, donated by Harvey Prudham of Galt, grandson of John Prudham. 

Continued . . .. More History . . .

Laura Dixon, (1907 – 2003) great granddaughter of John Prudham, dedicated the following poem to the early pioneers who settled in this area:

In a little church by the wayside,
Its rafters old and bare,
I stood today in quiet thought
Its solitude to share.

No lofty spire, no church bells pealed,
Nor did musicians play
To beckon worshippers within
That sacred place to pray.

No rich adornment they beheld,
No stained glass windows rare,
Yet grace and deep devotion lived
Within those who worshipped there.

‘Tho now in silent vigil
The tombstones seem to guard
The graves of those who worshipped there
Within that old churchyard.

They are not dead who built it thus.
Their names forever stand,
The bulwark of our nation
The founders of our land.

And everywhere their works still live,
Their spirits guard our day.
O may we strive to keep their faith
And follow in their way.