Deerhurst - from 1830, mail was received for the early settlers at John Gill's beer shanty at Deerhurst on the Penetang Road, midway between line 12 and line 13. On April 1st, 1863 and official post office opened near this same location and served this community until December 1912. In 1830 James Tindall, who lived across the road from Gill's, donated land from his lot 16, con. 12 farm for the first Ebenezer Wesleyan Methodist Church and cemetery. New churches were built about 1850 and again in 1880. This church was closed in 1966. A small hamlet grew at this location which still remains today.
The hamlet of Coulson's Hill was named after the Coulson family who settled here in 1822. They donated the land for the two church properties and cemeteries. The Anglican church was built in 1854, the Presbyterian church in1857. The hamlet was the home for a hotel, stagecoach shop, a blacksmith shop and an Orange Hall.
Copy of the 1870 book "The Light in the East" by Rev. John Fleetwood, belonging to the Bradford United Church. Edited and compiled by Rev. Arthur P. Hayes (from what was initially printed via subscription). 200+ engraved illustrations inside. Bound in an elaborately embossed and gilded cover, with the text block decorated with gilt edges.
Framed photograph of Rev. Dan. Norman and his wife, Mrs. Norman. Rev. Norman was a missionary in Japan, whose missionary trips were funded in part by Methodist Congregations in Bradford. He sometimes sent letters or gave presentations in the area about his work in Japan.
Writing on the back of the frame in green is partially rubbed off, with the illegible words replaced in pencil. It reads: "Rev Mr. Norman visited Schomberg in 1924 and was entertained by Mr. + Mrs. Skinner. His last visit." Additional writing underneath in pencil reads: "PICTURE OF:- REV. DAN. NORMAN & HIS WIFE, MISSIONARY TO JAPAN. SUPPORTED BY THE EPWORTH LEAGUES OF THE BRADFORD DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH. (IN WHICH SCHOMBERG METHODIST CHURCH HAD A LARGE PART.)."
Copy of a Family Bible printed in 1880, with custom-ordered embossed leather binding, with gilt decoration on front. Pasted on the inside of the front cover is a leather book label with gilt lettering that reads: " Presented to the Mount Pleasant Branch of Christ Church by the junior members of the church as a token of affectionate remembrance of a dear friend". This is likely in reference to Ena Stoddart, who moved away from the area after her marriage in 1888. This is likely the Bible that was presented in her honour, as reported in The Witness. The book contains many engraved illustrations, including a coloured frontispiece. At the back there is a board for family portraits, decorated with illumination and with the portrait spots left empty. The edges of the text block are also gilded.
A copy of "Service Book for the use of the people" published in 1969by the Committee on Worship of the United Church of Canada. The front of the book contains a paper book label stating the book was presented to the Bradford United Church by Jean E. Gordon, "in loving memory of her parents William T. & Lena E. Clubine." The top edge has remnants of a "Bradford United Church" stamp.
Copy of a handwritten speech dated September 25, 1994, written and signed by Margaret Irene Turner. The speech is for the United Church Women (UCW) group's Life Membership plaque. The speech also makes reference to Margaret Irene Turner's research with the Women's Missionary Society's (WMS) minute books.
Information booklet for participating pastoral charges about the United Church of Canada's Ventures in Mission fundraising campaign, given to Bob Evans by Rev. Henry Dahlin.
Inserts inside the booklet include: The agenda for "FALL AREA MEETINGS FOR PASTORAL CHARGE LEADERSHIP" for September 25 - October 15, 1983, including handwritten notes from Bob Evans. Copies of a letter from Bob Evans dated March 29, 1984 pertaining to the Ventures in Mission campaign, including handwritten edits and a handwritten list of Ventures in Mission committee members. A handwritten note to "Bob" (Bob Evans) from "Henry" (Rev. Henry Dahlin) about the booklet.