Bethel Church (replica)

This building is a replica of the original Bethel Church, which still stands on Bethel Church Road in Minden. Over 130 years ago, in 1889, a Crown deed was issued to the Methodist congregation. In early May (peak black-fly season!), workers gathered at the site in Minden, and construction began for the church.

When the first service was held it was standing room only, with people arriving by buggy, wagon, rowboat, and even canoe! With the opening of the church, it was noted that the families of the area considered their settlement in Minden was finally complete; now that it hosted both a school and a church.

Logs for this specific building were salvaged from an old cabin on Spring Valley Road. The chandelier and choir benches inside came from the original Presbyterian Church in Minden, and the glass windows were rescued from the dump. The replica is often lovingly referred to as the Wee Kirk (Scottish for "little chapel") and was constructed by three volunteers with a passion for the past. It officially opened in our museum in 1993, and since has been used for multiple weddings, plays, and photo opportunities.