44/ NOVEMBER 2019 THE RIDER REAL ESTATE:


“ Bethel Church” finds a New Life Back with It’s Original Homestead


Reprinted with updates from the Au- gust 2014 Issue of The Rider.


By Teri Davidson. We have brought back a piece of


history to our Circa 1861 farm. The Bethel Church, located be-


side our own farm has closed after many useful years and rather than see it torn down we approached the con- gregation who managed the beautiful building to see if we could purchase their church. The 1861 building matches the construction, brick and


year built of our farmhouse. And there is a small 1800’s settlers cemetery that surrounds it. My husband’s family farmed this


area for generations. In the 1800’s a family farm would be left to the oldest boy once the parents passed or found the work too exhausting for them to do any longer. My husband’s mom grew up just


around the corner from our farm home on a 100 acre farm which sits high on a huge hill known as the


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Hog’s Back. It was a four generation farm passing from parents to oldest son. The original farm was owned by the Drake fam- ily , the same Drake who was the “Queens Pirate” and whom we believe was deeded the farm all those generations ago. My hus- band is a decendant of the Drake family. The farm was sold by my husbands


uncle ( he was the oldest son), several years ago because the uncle had a falling out with a neighbour and also because he hadn’t married and had no children to leave it to. The family who bought the farm from


our family reside there to this day, even though my husband approached them twice about selling it back into our family. It was never a fancy home but the memories and ties my husband feels for the lands there make him long to own it once again. Thirteen years ago our current farm


came on the market and we were so pleased to be able to purchase a farm in the area my husband ‘s family came from. Its located just around the corner from the family orig- inal homestead, the “Hog’s Back.” Several of my husbands cousins, aunts and uncles occupied the original homesteads around ours.


The little church that sits beside us was


given by the original owners of this farm to the congregation as was the way in those days. A farmer would grant a small piece of their property, usually a corner acre, and give that to the community for a church to be built. Usually the deed would stay in the farmers name with the understanding it would revert back to the original farm should the use discontinue. This wasn’t the case for us and Bethel Church but we de- cided to bring it back as part of this farm. My husband’s mother and uncle were


both baptized in the church over 70 years ago and my husband’s grandparents were married in this very church in the spring of 1936. Several members are also buried in the small cemetery. We love walking through the grounds and reading the old stones and the names of those buried there, some dating as far back as 1830. Our oldest daughter fancies herself a


ghost hunter and feels she has some physic abilities. We decided to walk over tonight and take a look at the building. It will need a new roof and we think there may be bats living in the attic but we are hoping it won’t take to much effort or expense to bring it back to a gracious building. We took some pictures while inside


3462 Governor's Road Road, Ancaster. Vacant farm land of 42 acres. hard to find. Build your own home here back in off the road. Size of home can be deter- mined by the Buyer, small or large. Please make all in- quiries as to prerequisites for building to the municipality. This property has a creek at back and small pond, a stream that crosses , a higher spot back in off the road that would be perfect spot for new home construction. Older outbuildings on the site could be salvaged. Located in Ancaster near Woodhill Rd. owned by same family for many years! $899,900


3276 Governor's Road, Lynden. Amazing views from this An- caster 44 Acre farm with original Timber Frame barn, post and beam construction, that has box stalls in the bottom and hay mow on top. Separate three car garage. Fenced pastures. Hay has been grown on the 35 workable acres. Pond at back. Farm lane takes you back cross country to secluded meadows, small forest and pond. Serenity. great place to build new home if that's your dream. The home on the property now is large with four to five bedrooms. three baths. The original Circa 1800's Homestead has been added onto with a huge family room featuring wood burning fireplace , overlooked by second floor master bedroom and ensuite. Original home offers the wonderful character fea- tures of pine floors and big space. The kitchen has been removed and is ready for your own touch. Needs some updating but a wonderful size and structure with so much character. One of a kind location. Close to #403 access at #52. Shop in Ancaster. Children picked up by bus for school. Open spaces, fields and big star filled sky at night can be yours. $1,499,999


and were surprised to see all the orbs around my daughter in the pictures. My lenses was clean and no other pictures had the orbs other than inside the church build- ing itself. My daughter told me she felt at peace there. We hope to carry on the traditions of


marriage , memorial and funerals services in our little church.


Teri Davidson is a Broker with C21 Profes- sional Group Brantford Inc., Brantford’s largest Real Estate office. She has been a licensed realtor since 1976. Teri and her family also own and op-


erate “White House farm” where they raise AQHA Registered Quarter horses and APHA Registered Paints along with their newest venture, old fashioned long haired Registered King Sized German Shepherd dogs.


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