Ebenzer

Introduction

The United Church Cemetery and cairn

©Copyright: Jeri Danyleyko

Ebenezer was a small pioneer farming community located in Bruce County. It began with the formation of a Methodist Church (later United) and thrived from the 1850s to the 1870.

Located on the town line of Arran and Elderslie and close to the town line of Saugeen, Ebenezer didn't offer much in the way of services. There was no post office or school. Residents used the post office in nearby Dunblane, where their children also attended school. The community did have a store and also an Orange Lodge. The church was on the same circuit as Arkwright and Mount Hope.

Sports played a big role in this small hamlet. Activities included a baseball team, hockey team and curling. An ice rink, built on the church property operated for many years. Besides serving as a place for skating, hockey and curling, it was also the social hub of the community where residents would congregate, socialize and enjoy treats and snacks.

Ebenezer began to wither away following the closure of the church. All that remains today is a cairn, the cemetery and a large sign, erected by the Women's Institute.