HTG-12-80 Memorandum Development Servicee Department Planning Services Date: August 8, 2012 File: B-8600-0162 To: From: Re: Heritage Oshawa Margaret Kish Policy Advisor Research Reports for 0 Bond Street West - Pioneer Cemetery on Bond Street (also known as Pioneer Memorial Gardens), 65 Columbus Road East - Columbus Methodist Cemetery and 39 Columbus Road West - Bible Christian Cemetery Attached are copies of the Research Reports prepared by Melissa Cole for 0 Bond Street West - Pioneer Cemetery on Bond Street (also known as Pioneer Memorial Gardens), 65 Columbus Road East - Columbus Methodist Cemetery and 39 Columbus Road West - Bible Christian Cemetery. Margaret Kish, M.Sc.PI., MCIP, RPP Policy Advisor 905-436-3311 x2945 1-800-667-4292 x2945 mkish@oshawa.c8
RESEARCHREPORT Methodist Cemetery 65 Columbus Road East. Oshawa, Ontario Prepared for Heritage Oshawa Prepared by Melissa Cole August 2012 5~
Methodist Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Purpose of Report 3 1.2 Legislative Context 3 2.0 Description of the Property 2.1 Location 4 2.2 Legal Description 4 2.3 Site Description 4 3.0 Historical Attributes of Methodist Cemetery 3.1 Summary 7 3.2 Early Lot History 7 3.3 Methodist Chapel 8 3.4 Individuals and Families Buried in the Cemetery 9 4.0 Condition of the Methodist Cemetery 10 5.0 Conformity to Applicable Designation Criteria 12 6.0 Proposed Designation Statement and Description 6.1 Purpose 12 6.2 Location and Description of Property 12 6.3 Statement of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest 13 6.4 Description of Heritage Attributes 13 7.0 Recommendation 13 FIGURES AND APPENDICES Figure 1-Methodist Cemetery Map, Durham Genealogical Society, 1982 Figure 2 - Village of Columbus Map 1873 Figure 3-1851 Whitby Township Map, showing English Corners, Columbus Post Office Figure 4 - Granite top inside Ham gravestone showing panel missing, 2012 Figure 5 - Damaged Grave Marker, Ham, 2012 Appendices - Photographs of the Methodist Cemetery 5J 2
Methodist Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Purpose of the Report This report evaluates the heritage significance of the Methodist Cemetery and associated gravestones in the Village of Columbus and examines the suitability for designation under Section IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. 1.2 Legislative Context Ontario Regulation 9/06 under the Ontario Heritage Act sets out the criteria for determining cultural heritage value or interest, which is required in order to designate a property under the provisions of Section IV. A property may be designated under Section 29 of the Act if it meets one or more of the following criteria for determining whether it is of cultural heritage value or interest. 1. The property has design value or physical value because it: i. is a rare, unique, representative or early example of a style, type, expression, material or construction method; ii. displays a high degree of craftsmanship or artistic merit, or iii. demonstrates a high degree of technical or scientific achievement. 2. The property has historical value or associative value because it, i. has direct associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution that is significant to a community, ii. yields, or has the potential to yield, information that contributesto an understanding of a community or culture, or iii. demonstrates or reflects the work or ideas of an architect, artist, builder, designer or theorist who is significant to a community. 3. The property has contextual value because it, i. is important in defining, maintaining or supporting the character of an area, ii. is physically, functionally, visually or historically linked to its surroundings, or iii. is a landmark. After analyzing the history and heritage attributed of the subject property, it is concluded that the subject property merits designation under the Ontario Heritage Act in light of criteria 1 (i), 2 (i), 3 (i), (ii), and (iii). 3
Methodist Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant 2.0 Description of Property 2.1 Location The Methodist Cemetery is located in the Village of Columbus, within the City of Oshawa approximately X mile east of Simcoe Street North on Columbus Road East. The cemetery is located on the south side of Columbus Road East. Figure 1 indicates the location of the cemetery within the Village of Columbus. Figure 2 indicates the relationship of the cemetery beside the original site of the Methodist Church which was located west of the current cemetery. 2.2 Legal Description The Methodist Cemetery is located on Lot 12 on Concession 6, at 65 Columbus Road East, formerly Church Street in Columbus within the City of Oshawa. The Methodist Cemetery is an inactive cemetery maintained by the City of Oshawa Parks Department. It is located on the south side of Columbus Road East across from the first location of the Presbyterian Church. 2.3 Site Description As illustrated in the photographs appended to this report, the Methodist Cemetery consists of 44 gravestones. Many of the gravestones have been placed in an informal mound-like cairn. There are approximately 10 gravestones located in front (north) of the cairn. See Figure 1. 4
Methodist Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant Figure 1: Methodist Cemetery Map, Durham Genealogical Society, 1982 5 50
Methodist Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant Figure 2: Village of Columtfus Map 1873 5i 6
3.0 Historical Attributes 3.1 Summary Methodist Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant The history of the Methodist Cemetery spans more than a century. This particular cemetery reflects the early history of the Village of Columbus and holds the remains of Columbus's earliest settlers and some very prominent citize'ns. Many of these early settlers in the Columbus area and their families are interred in this cemetery. The Methodist congregation in Columbus continued until the Church Union (Presbyerian) in 1925. According to the inscriptions on the gravestones, the first interment took place in 1845 while the last onewas buried in 1927. Although abandoned, the Parks Department of the City of Oshawa maintains the upkeep and most of the monuments are installed in a cairn. Individuals buried in the cemetery include early merchants and store,owners, land owners - some names are seen on the surrounding streets such a Grass Grove Lane, early post masters, ministers of the Methodist Church all early families that settled in English Corners, (later the Village of Columbus). By their nature, cemeteries are sacred and important heritage sites. Most cemeteries provide park-like green spaces that enrich the City aesthetically. 3.2 Early Lot History Columbus was once called English Corners because of the great many English people that settled there. From W.H. Smith's Gazateer of Upper Canada, 1850 we find the following information about the Village of Columbus, "Columbus contains about 300 inhabitants; it is a tolerable settlement although it is too near Oshawa to do a large business. Indeed it appears to have remained nearly stationary for the last 3 or 4 years. It contains a grist mill with 2 run ofstone, a saw mill, tannery, ashery and a soap and candle factory, a post office, 3 churches - United Presbyterian, Wesleyan Methodist and Bible Christian and there is an Episcopal Methodists church one mlle west of the village. " The location on which the Methodist Cemetery lies is the north half of Lot 12 within Concession 6, in East Whitby Township, now within the City of Oshawa. The road is currently called Columbus Road East, formerly Church Street the name changed in 1988 to Columbus Road. The 1861 Census lists a frame church erected on the north end of Lot 12, Concession 7. 30' x 40'. Seats about 200 with a X acre of land attached. Cost about $1000. Owned by the Wesleyan Methodists. 58 7
Methodist Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant Figure 3: 1851 Whitby Township Map, showing English Corners, Columbus Post Office 3.3 Methodist Chapel Prior to the construction of the Methodist Church in the Village of Columbus, the earliest formal church service was held in a log church on the Two Rod Road (now Harmony Road) with Presbyterians there on Sunday and Methodists there on Wednesday. In approximately 1848 the Methodist Church was opened on Columbus Road, just east of Simcoe Street North. The first written record of a Wesleyan Church in 59 8
Methodist Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant Columbus dates back to 1848. For the first time Columbus was listed as a separate place on the Oshawa circuit in the 1848-1849 Annual Report of the Missionary Society of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Canada. This was most likely the log church that Mr. \ Webber discusses in, Methodist Church Columbus Ontario. Lindsay Ford of the Oshawa Times in 1970 states that in 1848 the following families withdrew from the union school: Beall's, Pentiall, Grass, Bickles, Hugoes, Roberts and built the Wesleyan Methodist Church. The June 28, 1926 Oshawa Daily Reformer contained an article describing the closing service at Columbus Methodist Church held on June 27 1926. They decided to worship at the current Columbus United Church that was the former Presbyterian Church. The Methodist Church was demolished in 1928. The brick from the Methodist Church was used in the construction of 57 Columbus Road East, near the Methodist Cemetery. Further research is required to indicate if this is true or not. The Methodist background of the Village of Columbus is permanently celebrated by two stained glass windows that adorn the sanctuary of the current Columbus United Church. 3.4 Individuals & Families buried in the Methodist Cemetery E.A. Tonkin, Columbus Methodist Minister, 1897-1898 The Families that were responsible for building the Methodist Church in Columbus are buried in the Methodist Cemetery. The families are: Beall, Penhall Roberts (early Merchant), Bickle (early Merchant), Grass. Grass - (Grass Grove lane (current street name X mile away from the cemetery, land for the Grass Farm was deeded to l. Grass in 1793 by King George III. 4.0 Condition of the Cemetery Overall the cemetery is in good condition. There are two markers that are in need of conservation they are: Ham Gravestone: White Metal Marker - there is only one - it appears that a granite top was thrown into the side of the metal gravestone and it knocked out one of the panels. Cruse Gravestone: Granite - Top that is located inside the metal gravestone may belong to this headstone. See Figure 3 & 4. 9
Methodist Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant Figure 3: Granite top, most likely from Cruse Gravemarker, inside the metal gravestone. 6 10
Methodist Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012, Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant Figure 4: Damaged Gravemarker, Ham 6L 11
Methodist 'Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant 5.0 Conformity to Applicable Designation Criteria In light of the findings of this report, it is concluded that the cemetery known as the Methodist Cemetery meets several of the criteria outlined in Regulation 9/06, as follows: ~ 1(i) is an example of an early cemetery that contains attributes of the Methodist Faith that reflect its cultural value as an important link to the history of the local area through the use of markers and monuments, the variety of size sophistication and material, their inscriptions and their current placement within the cemetery. ~ 2(i} location in relation to the original Methodist Church in the community that stood east of the present cemetery. ~ 2(ii} it has direct association with the house located at 57 Columbus Road east, when the Methodist Church was demolished in 1928 the brick was used in the construction ofthis home. ~ 3(ii} it is physically, functionally, visually and historically linked to the Village of Columbus and the English settlers that came to the area which was originally called "English Corners". Many of the early settlers of Methodist faith are buried in this cemetery. ~ 3(iii} The Methodist Cemetery is a landmark in the Village of Columbus located approximately X mile from the original four corners, where Simcoe Street North and Columbus Road East cross, in the village of Columbus (English Corners). The Methodist Church stood east of the present cemetery. 6.0 Proposed Designation Statement and Description 6.1 Purpose Should the Heritage Oshawa Committee and Council agree that designation of the Methodist Cemetery is appropriate, it is recommended that the following designation statement and description be incorporated into the designation bylaw. 6.2 Location and Description of Property The Methodist Cemetery, located at 65 Columbus Road East, in the Village of Columbus within the City of Oshawa, was in use from approximately 1845 until 1927. The history of the Methodist Cemetery spans more than a century. This particular cemetery reflects the early history of the community of Columbus and 6) 12
Methodist Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant holds the memorials of Columbus's earliest Methodist settlers and some prominent citizens. 6.3 Statement of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest The structures cultural heritage value results from their historical significance and their importance as a cultural heritage landscape/cemetery. The property has historical value as it is representative of the Village of Columbus' earliest settlers. This particular cemetery reflects the early history of the community known today as the Village of Solumbus and holds the remains and memorials of Columbus's earliest settlers and some very prominent citizens. The cultural heritage value of the Methodist Cemetery is related to its architectural or design value, as it is comprised of several grave markers. All of the structures exemplify local craftsmanship and the use of local styles and materials, most notably marble and granite. The Methodist Cemetery on Columbus Road East holds the remnants of 44 gravestones. The majority of the stones date from the period 1850-1860. Early gravestones are windows into the past besides providing biographical data pertaining to the deceased; they are also a form of artistic and cultural expression. Tombstones provide early settlement, birth and death patterns and family histories. 6.4 Description of Heritage Attributes ~ The location, dimensions and orientation of the Methodist cemetery in relation to the encompassing community that surrounds it. ~ The original markers with their surviving inscriptions and motifs. ~ The original location of some markers with their surviving inscriptions ~ The placement ofthe monuments and markers within the informal mound cairn ~ Location in relation to the original Methodist Church in the community that stood west of the present cemetery. This was original the church yard. 7.0 Recommendation It is recommended that the property Methodist Cemetery located-on 69 Columbus Road East, in the City of Oshawa be designated in accordance with the provisions of Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act for its cultural heritage value. 13
Methodist Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant Sources Conveyances Abstract and related documents. Durham Land Registrar's Office Census, East Whitby. 1861 Ontario Genealogy Society, Durha~ Region Branch, Methodist Cemetery List~ Oshawa Community Archives, Methodist File Oshawa Community Archives, Columbus File Oshawa Times, Lindsay Ford Columnist, 1970 Feb. 11 Richardson, William. History of Columbus Village 1835-1931. 1931. Suchan, laura. Memento Mori: Classifying Nineteenth Century Gravestones, An Oshawa Study. 1999 Webber, Grant. History of Columbus. 1995 Webber, Grant. The Methodist Church Columbus Ontario. August 2002 14
Methodist Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant APPENDIX Columbus Methodist Church, Built 1888 60 15
Methodist Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant Columbus Methodist Cemetery Signage located on the north end of the property, August 2012 Columbus Methodist Cemetery, looking west, August 2012 6, 16
Methodist Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant Columbus Methodist Cemetery looking south August 2012 57 Columbus Road East, Bricks from the Methodist Church were used in the construction of this home. 17
RESEARCHREPORT Bible Christian Cemetery 39 Columbus Road West Oshawa, Ontario Prepared for Heritage Oshawa Prepared by Melissa Cole August 2012 61
Bible Christian Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Purpose of Report 1.2 Legislative Context 3 3 2.0 Description of the Property 2.1 Location 2.2 Legal Description 2.3 Site Description 4 4 4 3.0 Historical Attributes of Bible Christian Cemetery 3.1 Summary 3.2 Early Lot History 3.3 Bible Christian Chapel 3.4 Bible Christian Manse 4.0 Condition of the Bible Christian Cemetery 6 6 7 8 9 5.0 Conformity to Applicable Designation Criteria 9 6.0 Proposed Designation Statement and Description 6.1 Purpose 6.2 Location and Description of Property 6.3 Statement of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest 6.4 Description of Heritage Attributes 7.0 Recommendation 10 10 10 11 11 FIGURES AND APPENDICES Figure 1- Bible Christian Cemetery Map, Durham Genealogical Society, 1982 Figure 2 - Village of Columbus 1873, Grant Webber Appendices - Photographs of the Bible Christian Cemetery 70 2
Bible Christian Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Purpose of the Report This report evaluates the heritage significance of the Bible Christian Cemetery and associated gravestones in the Village of Columbus and examines the suitability for designation under Section IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. 1.2 Legislative Context Ontario Regulation 9/06 under the Ontario Heritage Act sets out the criteria for determining cultural heritage value or interest, which is required in order to designate a property under the provisions of Section IV. A property may be designated under Section 29 of the Act if it meets one or more of the following criteria for determining whether it is of cultural heritage value or interest. 1. The property has design value or physical value because it: i. is a rare, unique, representative or early example of a style, type, expression, material or construction method; ii. displays a high degree of craftsmanship or artistic merit, or iii. demonstrates a high degree of technical or scientific ach ievement. 2. The property has historical value or associative value because it, i. has direct associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution that is significant to a community, ii. yields, or has the potential to yield, information that contributes to an understanding of a community or culture, or iii. demonstrates or reflects the work or ideas of an architect, artist, builder, designer or theorist who is significant to a community. 3. The property has contextual value because it, i. is important in defining, maintaining or supporting the character of an area, ii. is physically, functionally, visually or historically linked to its surroundings, or iii. is a landmark. 3
Bible Christian Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant After analyzing the history and heritage attributes of the subject property, it is concluded that the subject property merits designation under the Ontario Heritage Act in light of criteria l(i), 2(i),(ii) 3 (i), (ii) and (ii). 2.0 Description of Property 2.1 Location The Bible Christian Cemetery is located in the Village of Columbus, within the City of Oshawa approximately X mile west of Simcoe Street North on Columbus Road West. The cemetery is located on the south side of Columbus Road West. Figure 1 indicates the location of the cemetery within the Village of Columbus. Figure 2 indicates the relationship of the cemetery beside the original site of the Bible Christian Church and the Bible Christian Manse, within the Village of Columbus in 1873. 2.2 Legal Description The Bible Christian Cemetery is located on part of Lots 13 & 14 on Conces?,ion 6, at 39 Columbus Road West,(formerly called Church Street) in Columbus Ontario within the City of Oshawa. The Bible Christian Cemetery is an inactive cemetery maintained by the City of Oshawa Parks Department. It is located on the south side of Columbus Road West. 2.3 Site Description As illustrated in the photographs appended to this report, the Bible Christian Cemetery consists of 91 gravestones. Many of the gravestones are flat lawn style stones that are formed into a patio style cairn on the north side of the cemetery. There are 12 upright grave stones that are arranged along the east side of the patio cairn. There are also stones scattered throughout the cemetery as well. See Figure 1. 4
Bible Christian Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant Figure 1: Bible Christian Cemetery Map, Durham Genealogical Society, 1982 5
3.0 Historical Attributes 3.1 Summary Bible Christian Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant The Bible Christians were a branch of Methodism that was mainly confined to Devon and Cornwall in England. They came into existence in 1815 in Devon, England and spread quickly across that County and across Cornwall, next door. Many came over on aboard the Clio in 1841 and settled in the community of Columbus. The history of the Bible Christian Cemetery spans more than a century. In the 1840's there was a wide variety of perspectives in the approaches to Christian living presented by the different denominations. Thirty years before Presbyterians accepted the idea of Sunday Schools, the Bible Christians would have close to one hundred children attending Sabbath School at this church, many of its members are buried in this cemetery. This particular cemetery reflects the early history of the Village of Columbus and holds the memorials of Columbus's earliest settlers and some very prominent citizens. In 1848 Ashton, Adams, Harper, Clark, Rundle, Hicks, Tucker and Hazeldine families built the Bible Christian Church and carried on a Sunday School service for numerous years, with 100 attendees. Most likely the largest Sunday School Service in the area. In June 1855 the first Canada Conference of the Bible Christian Church was convened in the village of Columbus. Individuals buried in the cemetery include Bible Christian Minister John Pinch, Superintendents of the Bible Christian Sunday School, Robert Ashton - who was also in charge of Music at the Bible Christian Church and Sunday School and the second Post Master for the Village of Columbus, George Hazeldine and early secretaries for the Bible Christian Church are also buried in this cemetery including; Richard Salter, Richard Banbury, John Passmore, Stephen Hugo, George Martin, Thomas and William Ashton and George Wickett. By their nature, cemeteries are sacred and importa~t heritage sites. Most cemeteries provide park-like green spaces that enrich the City aesthetically. The Bible Christian Cemetery is an example of. this. The property contains some vegetation but very minimal. There is no marker or signage on the property indicating that it is the Bible Christian Cemetery for the Village of Columbus. 3.2 Early Lot History Columbus was once called English Corners because of the great many English people that settled there. From W.H. Smith's Gazateer of Upper Canada, 1850 we find the following information about the Village of Columbus, "Columbus contains about 300 inhabitants; it is a tolerable settlement, although it is too near Oshawa to do a large business. Indeed it appears to have remained nearly stationary for the last 3 or 4 years. It contains a grist mill with 2 run ofstone, a saw mill, 6
Bible Christian Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant tannery, ashery and a soap and candle factory, a post office, 3 churches - United Presbyterian, Wesleyan Methodist and Bible Christian and there is an Episcopal Methodists church one mile west of the vii/age. 1/ The location on which the Bible Christian Cemetery lies is the north half of lot 13 within Concession 6, in East Whitby Township, now within the City of Oshawa. On March 13, 1849 John Kenny sold X acre of lot 13 to the Trustees of the Bible Christian Church. (Registry No. 36650). On April 28, 1861 John Kenny sold another 1 acre, 56 rods of lot 13 to the Bible Christian Church. The 1861 Census lists Bible Christian, frame church, North end of lot 13, Concession 6. 30' x40' Seats about 200 on one acre of land. Worth $1,000 3.3 Bible Christian Chapel The Bible Christian Chapel was built on a one acre village lot in Columbus. The exact date of construction is not known. It would most likely have been constructed between 1845 prior to 1855. In 1854, Canada was withdrawn from the English Bible Christian Conference and given its own Conference, the first of which was held in 1855 in the little chapel at Columbus in Ontario County, Province of Ontario. The Bible Christian Chapel was located approximately 100 meters west of Simcoe Street on the south side of Columbus Road near the cemetery. In the 1840's there was a rather wide variety, from a member's perspective, in the approaches to Christian living presented by the various denominations in the area. Thirty years before Presbyterians accepted the idea of Sunday Schools, the Bible Christians had close to one hundred children attending Sabbath School at this particular location in Columbus. Newspaper accounts of the day mention: lithe Annual Bible Christian Sunday School Anniversary was held on the first Sunday and Monday in July. A special service was held on the Sunday followed by recitals and tea on the Monday. A Monday evening concert was always held with the entertainment brought in from Toronto." The 1861 Census lists a frame chapel that can accommodate 200 people. It was 30 feet by 40 feet in size. According to the Bible Christian Property Book the chapel had a room added on for Sunday school that was 30 feet by 20 feet. According to lindsay Ford, Oshawa Times Columnist, 1970, early Superintendants of the Bible Christian Sunday School were George Davey, Thomas Mason, Robert Ashton, George Hazeldine, Nicholas Redd, Jason Stone, Ediwin Nencekivell. 7
Bible Christian Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant The Bible Christian Chapel was torn down after union with the Methodists in approximately 1889. 3.4 Bible Christian Church Manse The church manse was built at Columbus in 1862. (leetooze: 2005). It was built on it's a one acre parcel village lot and was most likely frame, the records do not indicate what it was made of. It was 24 feet by 34 feet and the lot was 36 rods in size. A cemetery shared the one acre parcel where the chapel was located. The foundation of the chapel may still exist beside the cemetery; however a brick residence was raised on it sometime after the 20 th century. In 1931 John Lawrence was living in a residence at this location. It has been said that the chapel, after, union with the Methodists, was remodeled into a house. According to Sherrell Leetooze, Rita Bone Kopp from Ohio has records that show her Bone ancestors lived in a remodeled chapel. See Figure 2. Figure 2: Village of Columbus 1873, Grant Webber 70 8
Bible Christian Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant 4.0 Condition of the Cemetery Overall the cemetery is in good condition and is well cared for by the City of Oshawa Parks Services. There is no signage indicating the name of the cemetery, denomination or date. s.o Conformity to Applicable Designation Criteria In light of the findings of this report, it is concluded that the cemetery known as the Bible Christian Cemetery meets several of the criteria outlines in Regulation 9/06, as follows: ~ 1(i) is an example of an early cemetery that contains attributes of the Bible Christian. Cemetery that reflect its cultural value as an important link to the history of the local area through the use of markers and monuments, the variety of size sophistication and material, their inscriptions and their current placement within the cemetery. ~ 2(i) location in relation to the original Bible Christian Church in the community that stood east of the present cemetery, many of the individuals recorded on the headstones were those that contributed to the building of the Bible Christian Chapel in Columbus. ~ 2(ii) It has direct association with the annual garden tea and evening concert that is held at the Presbyterian Church. This began in 1840 on the first Sunday and Monday of July when the Bible Christians held their Sunday. School Anniversary. This annual celebration continued after the Bible Christians and Methodist union and once again after the union of Methodist and Presbyterian in the area of Columbus. ~ 3(ii) it is physically, functionally, visually and historically linked to the community of Oshawa that it lies within and the Bible Christian settlers many immigrated from Devon Cornwall. ~ 3(iii) The Bible Christian Cemetery is a landmark in the community of Columbus located approximately X mile from the original four corners, where Simcoe Street North and Columbus Road West cross, in the village of English Corners. 71 9
Bible Christian Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant 6.0 Proposed Designation Statement and Description 6.1 Purpose Should the Heritage Oshawa Committee and Council agree that designation of the Bible Christian Cemetery is appropriate, it is recommended that the following designation statement and description be incorporated into the designation by-law. 6.2 Location and Description of Property The Bible Christian Cemetery, located at 39 Columbus Road West, in the Village of Columbus within the City of Oshawa, was in use from approximately 1818 until 1920. The history of the Bible Christian Cemetery spans more than a century. This particular cemetery reflects the early history of the community of Columbus and holds the memorials of Columbus's earliest settlers and some very prominent citizens that were associated with the Bible Christian Faith. 6.3 Statement of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest The structures cultural heritage value results from their historical significance and their importance as a cultural heritage landscape/cemetery. The property has historical value as it is representative of the Village of Columbus' earliest settlers. In the 1840's there was a wide variety of perspectives in the approaches to Christian living presented by the different denominations. Thirty years before Presbyterians accepted the idea of Sunday Schools, the Bible Christians would have close to one hundred children attending Sabbath School at this church, many of its members are buried in this cemetery. This particular cemetery reflects the early history of the Village of Columbus and holds the memorials of Columbus's earliest settlers and some very prominent citizens. In 1848 Ashton, Adams, Harper, Clark, Rundle, Hicks, Tucker and Hazeldine families built the Bible Christian Church and carried on a Sunday School service for numerous years, with 100 attendees. Most likely the largest Sunday School Service in the area. In June 1855 the first Canada Conference of the Bible Christian Church was convened in the village of Columbus. The cultural heritage value of the Bible Christian Cemetery is related to its architectural or design value, as it is comprised of several fine monuments and grave markers which appear to be all original. All of the structures exemplify local craftsmanship and the use of local styles and materials, most notably marble and granite. The Bible Christian Cemetery on Columbus Road West holds the remnants of 91 gravestones. The majority of the stones date from the period 78 10
Bible Christian Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant 1860-1890. Frederick William Browne who was born one mile northwest of Columbus in 1870, restored the Columbus Bible Christian cemetery in 1946. Early cemeteries contain gravestones that are windows into the past besides providing biographical data pertaining to the deceased; they are also a form of artistic and cultural expression. Tombstones can provide early settlement, birth and death patterns and family histories. 6.4 Description of Heritage Attributes The key attributed exhibited by this landscape/cemetery feature include: ~ The location, dimensions and orientation of the ~emetery in relation to the encompassing community that surrounds it. ~ The original markers with their surviving inscriptions. ~ The original location of some markers with their surviving inscriptions and motifs ~ The placement of the monuments and markers within the informal patio style cairn - restoration in 1946 by Frederick Browne ~ Location in relation to the original Bible Christian Church in the community that stood east of the present cemetery, many of the individuals recorded on the headstones were those that contributed to the building of the Bible Christian Chapel in Columbus. This is where the first Canadian Conference of the Bible Christians was held in 1855 7.0 Recommendation It is recommended that the property the Bible Christian Cemetery is located, 39 Columbus Road West, in the City of Oshawa be designated in accordance with the provisions of Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act for its cultural heritage value. 77 11
Bible Christian Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant Sources Conveyances Abstract and related documents. Durham Land Registrar's Office Census, East Whitby. 1861 Leetooze, Sherrell B. Bible Christian Chapels of the Canadian Conference. 2005 Ontario Genecrlogy Society, Durham Region Branch, Bible Christian Cemetery List. Oshawa Community Archives, Bible Christian File Oshawa Community Archives, Columbus File Oshawa Times, Lindsay Ford Columnist, 1970. Feb.ll Richardson, William. History of Columbus Village 1835-1931. 1931. Suchan, Laura. Memento Mori: Classifying Nineteenth Century Gravestones, An Oshawa Study. 1999 Webber, Grant. History of Columbus. 1995 Bu 12
Bible Christian Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant APPENDIX Columbus Methodist Cemetery, looking south, August 2012 81 13
Bible Christian Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, local Heritage Consultant Methodist Cemetery, Columbus, patio-style cairn looking north, August 2012 8i 14
Bible Christian Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant English Corners, East Whitby Map, 1851 15
Bible Christian Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Local Heritage Consultant Columbus Methodist Cemetery, Gravestones in their original location on the south end of the property, August 2012 1877 Whitby Township Map Cropped to show Columbus Early Landowners 16
Bible Christian Cemetery, Columbus Ontario - Research Report, August 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, local Heritage Consultant Home built on the foundation of the original Bible Christian Chapel. (Requires further research). 17
RESEARCH REPORT Pioneer Memorial Garden Cemetery 185-201 Bond Street West Oshawa, Ontario Prepared by Melissa Cole June 2012
.Description of Property 185-201 Bond Street Pioneer Memorial Cemetery - Research Report, June 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Heritage Researcher The Pioneer Memorial Cemetery is located at 185-201 Bond Street West, in the City of Oshawa. The Pioneer Memorial Cemetery is an inactive cemetery owned by the Simcoe Street United Church. It is located on the south side of Bond Street West across from Arena Street in Oshawa. The GPS Coordinates are 43 53.810 N - 78 52.285 W Historical Attributes Summary "The little plot of ground, in the centre of which this cairn-like monument stands, measures 170 by 140 feet. In quaint, reverent language of the past, the plot was known to many as "God's Acre", for this was the burying ground of deceased members of sturdy pioneer families of yeoman stock who helped establish our community on the banks and high land of the creek that wends it busy way towards Lake Ontario". - Oshawa Times Gazette, 1949 The history of the Bond Street Pioneer Cemetery spans more than a century. This particular cemetery reflects the early history of the City of Oshawa and holds the memorials of Oshawa's earliest settlers and some very prominent citizens. This cemetery is an oasis of piece in the middle of a busy city and is an example of how local organizations in the community came together to save an important historical memorial to the citizens of bygone days. By their nature, cemeteries are sacred and important heritage sites. Most cemeteries provide park-like green spaces that enrich the City aesthetically. The Pioneer Memorial Garden located at 185-201 Bond Street West in the City of Oshawa is an example of such a cemetery. In 1949 a committee was formed by members of the Simcoe Street United Church and the Oshawa Parks Department. Architecturally, they often hold beautifully carved headstones monuments, and structures. Cemeteries attract tourists and those interested in searching their family roots or the history of this city. Early Lot History Methodist Cemetery The land on which the Bond Street Pioneer Memorial Cemetery sits was originally owned by Mr. John B. Warren, who had received it as part of a crown grant. In the year 1847, he sold the 115' frontage and 122' deep, one acre of property on "Protestant Hill" to the trustees of the Wesleyan Methodist Church for twenty pounds sterling. This one acre lot was to be used as a church and cemetery. The Wesleyan Methodist Church built its church building 8, 2
185-201 Bond Street Pioneer Memorial Cemetery - Research Report, June 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Heritage Researcher ( fronting on King Street West; behind the church was the old Methodist Cemetery. It should be noted that prior to 1847, records indicate that the land had been previously used as a burial ground. In fact, the earliest burial recorded is that of Sabine Dearborn, wife of Samuel Dearborn, in 1830. This cemetery contains burials of many well-to-do and dedicated church members. The family plots were separated from the others by various means; wrought iron fences, decorative posts with ornamental tops connected by chains, bars or stone borders. An array of wild pink roses and purple lilacs were also plentiful. The Methodists had the oldest congregation in the Township. In the period of 1867 to 1868, a new Methodist Church was built on Simcoe Street and was ready for service in 1868. The old church building was sold and then removed, and the basement excavation was filled in. To ensure that no animals pasturing on the public road could enter, a high wooden picket fence with a protective gate was built across the front of the property. In the early 1900's the high wooden picket fence was removed aswell at the protective gate and the jungle of locust bushes that grew on the eastern part of the property. A modern wire fence then enclosed the property. A couple by the name of Mr. And Mrs. Richard Taylor bought the south-east portion of the front of the property that had been for sale. Their house was erected and their children and grandchildren were members of the Simcoe Street Church. It appears that the unsold portion of the property was still used fpr burials, the last being that of Barbara Hurd* in 1906. Pioneer Memorial Garden By the turn of the century, the cemetery was described as follows: Across the front ofthe property was a high, unpainted wooden picket fence with a gate protecting the ground from cattle which frequently pastured on the public road. Several very old spruce trees close to the fence bent their limbs in heavy snowstorms to the sidewalk outside the property. Many headstones were lying flat in the grass and wild pink roses and purple lilacs grew in profusion. - Mrs. L. Bray Many families of those buried there had removed the remains to more recently acquired lots in the Union Cemetery so the entire old graveyard was practically empty. (Bray, 1971). * There is evidence of grave markers at Union Cemetery for many of the individuals that are noted as being buried at Pioneer Memorial this includes the following: John Ritson * Mary Catherine Stone Ritson * Robert Wilcockson * Ann Wilcockson * Barbara Hurd Wood * Richard Woon * R.O. Woon * 88 3
185-201 Bond Street Pioneer Memorial Cemetery - Research Report, June 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Heritage Researcher Further research is required to locate other individuals that may have been moved from Pioneer Memorial to Union Cemetery. In 1945, due to the deplorable state of the cemetery, the Board of the Simcoe Street United Church decided the property should be cleaned up, and that a plan be adopted that would assure it's preservation for years to come. A committee was headed by George Ainsley, members included Mr. E.A. Lovell, Messrs R.N. John, S.F. Everson, S.R. Alger and T.K. Creighton, who decided that the neglected cemetery would be transformed into a Memorial Garden. With assistance of the Oshawa Parks Board, 130 tombstones were lifted, cleaned and eventually arranged on cement pillars in a cairn in the centre of the property. On August 8,1949 the memorial was dedicated, a cairn unveiled by T.H. Everson (local business owner) and dedicated by Reverend John K. Moffat. In 1957 the Oshawa Horticultural Society, who cared for the memorial garden, installed wrought iron gates in and a fieldstone wall in 1959. Land Owner, John B Warren John B Warren was the owner of the Warren Mill that was located along the Oshawa Creek east of the Pioneer Cemetery where the parking garage sits at the corner of King Street West and McMillan Street. There is a plaque on the Parking Garage that recognizes the Warren Mill that was operated by John B Warren. He was well known for his PLOW brand of flour that was shipped in barrels from Oshawa to other ports on Lake Ontario. Notable Individuals Buried/Memorialized in the Pioneer Memorial For a complete list of individuals buried/memorialized* in the cemetery see Appendix B John Ritson * One of Oshawa's earliest settlers, Ritson came to Oshawa after running into some trouble in Ottawa. He was refused payment for work and would not accept an offer of cash. Eventually he accepted $100 as well as a horse and wagon, which broke down in front of Benjamin Stone's house on Kingston road. Stone had built a school house at which Ritson became the first teacher. He married Stone's daughter Mary whom he settled in Oshawa and had seven children. Luke Family Thomas Luke Senior and Junior Thomas Luke Jr. was the son of Thomas Luke Senior and Susan (nee Power) Luke, he died in 1848 at the age of 3 years. Thomas Luke Sr. died at the age of 33 years. The Luke Family a highly influential family in early Oshawa, ran a successful furniture business, undertaker/funeral home, Oshawa newspaper. The funeral business continues today, Macintosh Anderson Kellam (MAK) 8~ 4
185-201 Bond Street Pioneer Memorial Cemetery - Research Report, June 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Heritage Researcher George Lovell E.A. Lovell who the school was named after was a nephew of George. The Lovell family is one of Oshawa's most well known pharmacy owners, Lovell Drugs. John Courtice John's son Thomas was the first of the family to immigrate to Canada in 1831 on the "Boline" landing in Quebec City on June 27, 1831 and traveled to Darlington Township Courtice is named after him -this is where he had a farm. Harriet Cock Guy Harriet was married to Thomas Guy Jr. in 1842 and immigrated to Canada in 1846. They settled near Reach Road, Hariet died of Typhoid two years later Thomas Guy Jr. was known as a breeder of Ayshires for which he won many medals. Thomas brother James Odgers Guy owned Guy House, one of the three buildings that makes up the Oshawa Community Museum in Lakeview Park, Oshawa. Harriet Cock Guy's Mothers (Harriet Trevethick Cock) portrait is currently on display in the Verna Conant Gallery at the Oshawa Community Museum. To learn more about the portrait go to www.youtube.oshawamuseum.grannycock * There is a stone marker at Union Cemetery noting John Ritson. It is likely that he was moved from Pioneer Memorial to Union Cemetery when it was no longer being cared for by any church, city or organization. There are no burial records indicating the move just the stone marker at Union Cemetery. 9u 5
185-201 Bond Street Pioneer Memorial Cemetery - Research Report, June 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Heritage Researcher Heritage Attributes Setting The Pioneer Memorial Garden on Bond Street West holds the remnants of 130 gravestones that have been arranged in a cairn many of which are complete or at least feature the upper portion of the stone. The cairns are arranged in the shape of a sixpointed star radiating from a central column bearing a memorial plaque. Many of the stones list death dates prior to 1850 and seven are from the decade 1810-1819. The majority of the stones date from the period 1850-1860. Key physical/design attributes of the Bond Street Memorial Garden that reflect its cultural value as an important link to the history ofthe local area include: The use of markers and monuments, the variety of size sophistication and material, their inscriptions and their current placement within the cemetery. The early markers are made of limestone most likely from Kingston - came to Oshawa through shipping used as ballast on ships. Early gravestones are windows into the past besides providing biographical data pertaining to the deceased; they are also a form of artistic and cultural expression. Tombstones also provide early settlement, birth and death patterns and family histories. The Pioneer Memorial Cemetery contains one of the earliest stones in Oshawa. It is a crudely carved example containing no motifs, it was most likely hand carved, the letters appear uneven and biographical information is limited containing only name and date of death and sometimes age at death. That is the stone of Richard Adams which is dated 1817 it simply lists the name date of death and age. (Suchan, 1999) This particular stone is listed with the date 1847 in the burial lists. Key contextual attributes of the Bond Street Memorial Garden that reflect its cultural value as an important link to the history of the local area include: The location, dimensions and orientation of the cemetery in relation to the encompassing city that continues to grow around it - The Pioneer Memorial Garden remains an oasis within a bustling city. Character Defining Elements (physical/design): The original markers with their surviving inscriptions. The placement of the monuments and markers within the cairn The brick wall built at the entrance into the cemetery with wrought iron gates The monuments and historical plaques placed on the cairn commemorating the local history a) A plaque commemorating the memorial garden unveiling b) A plaque commemorating the erection of the stone wall 91 6
185-201 Bond Street Pioneer Memorial Cemetery - Research Report, June 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Heritage Researcher Character Defining Elements (contextual) Location in relation to the original Methodist Church in the community that stood north of the present memorial garden, many of the individuals recorded on the headstones were those that contributed to the building of the first Methodist Church in Oshawa. Location in relation to the roads, present Simcoe Street Unite.d Church, the Oshawa Creek the land on which the cemetery stands that was donated by John B Warren an early business owner in Oshawa. 9'L 7
185-201 Bond Street Pioneer Memorial Cemetery - Research Report, June 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Heritage Researcher Summary of Significant Heritage Attributes Historical Significance Prior to the nineteenth century large graveyards were not known. Settlers were either buried in on family property or if a member of the church, in the church yard in order to be closer to God. The Pioneer Memorial Garden is an example of a church yard, cemetery that had been neglected for many years. It became a public park on Bond Street in Oshawa. Members from Simcoe Street United Church came together to save the cemetery and made it into a small oasis within the bustling City of Oshawa. Toqay the area is fenced and maintained by the City as a park, but it is still owned by the congregation of the Simcoe Street United Church. Many of the individuals listed on the gravestones were contributors toward the building of the original church. The cemetery preserves a physical record of the people that helped establish and develop Oshawa the surrounding area including names such as Ritson, Lovell, Rundle, Courtice and Guy. A complete listing of the names that appear in the cairn is listed in the appendix of this report and can also be obtained at the Oshawa Community Museum and Archives or the Durham branch ofthe Ontario Genealogy Society. 8
185-201 Bond Street Pioneer Memorial Cemetery - Research Report, June 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Heritage Researcher Resources Bray, L. Oshawa Pioneer Cemetery, Families, Ontario Genealogical Society. Winter 1971 Conveyances Abstract and related documents. Durham Land Registrar's Office Ontario Genealogy Society, Durham Region Branch, Pioneer Memorial Cemetery Burial list. Oshawa Community Archives, Bond Street Cemetery File Oshawa Community Archives, Simcoe Street United Church File Oshawa Community Archives, Pioneer Memorial Cemetery File The Daily Times Gazette, July 3D, 1949 The Daily Times Gazette, August 8, 1949 Simcoe Street United Church, Church History, Suchan, Laura. Memento Mori: Classifying Nineteenth Century Gravestones, An Oshawa Study. 1999 9
185-201 Bond Street Pioneer Memorial Cemetery - Research Report, June 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Heritage Researcher APPENDIX Pioneer Memorial Cemetery, Oshawa Times Gazette, 1948 (Before Restoration) Pioneer Memorial Garden, Oshawa Times Gazette, 1949 (After Restoration) 10
185-201 Bond Street Pioneer Memorial Cemetery - Research Report, June 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Heritage Researcher The Pioneer Memorial Garden, Wrought Iron Gates, Erected in 1957 by the Horticultural Society, May 2012 The fieldstone wall that was erected in 1959 by the Oshawa Horticultural Society, May 2012 Pioneer Memorial Garden, photo taken looking east, May 2012 11
185-201 Bond Street Pioneer Memorial Cemetery - Research Report, June 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Heritage Researcher The Memorial Plaque that reads: In 1847 this plot of land was conveyed to Wesleyan Methodist Church as the site of a chapel and burying ground. Here rest many of ~ he early pioneers of this district. This memorial was erected in 1949 by Simcoe Street United Church, Oshawa. In memory of those whose names are inscribed hereon and of others not so recorded who also sleep here. "I am the resurrection and the life" Saith the lord, " he that believet~ in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." St. John 112526 Statue Possibly the Virgin Mary, holding a wreath in her left hand and leaning against a cross "sculpted as wood" with a dove/bird holding in its mouth an olive branch. Ivy encircles the cross and she is looking down to the bottom right corner. Meaning/Symbolism of Statue Bird represents eternal life, dove represents purity (the dove carrying a(1 olive branch for NOAH; the holy spirit, vine represents sacraments, wreath represents victory symbol ofsaintliness, cross represents the belief held by Christians - behold the hope of resurrection in the cross 9; 12
185-201 Bond Street Pioneer Memorial Cemetery - Research Report, June 2012 Prepared by: Melissa Cole, Heritage Researcher Gravestone motifs featuring willow tree, angel and obelisk, May 2012 Example of cairn with gravestones displayed, May 2012 9b 13