Christ's Church in Port Maitland was built in 1841. My wife & I
were married here in 1976. Her parents and numerous relatives are
buried in the church cemetery. There is also a public cemetery
adjoining the Anglican Church cemetery immediately to the east.
Parking is available at the entrance to the church at the following
coordinates: N42o 51.502 W079o 35.235
There is some interesting history related to this little country
church. Because of its excellent harbor, the British maintained a
naval base at Port Maitland after the War of 1812. In 1850, the
ship Commerce sank off of Port Maitland and 25 of those who
perished are buried here.
The following account is from The Grand River Naval Depot by
John Thornley Docker, D.Min.
"Three steam vessels, the Minos, the Toronto, and the Despatch
were stationed in the harbour during the following years. On May 6,
1850 the worst disaster on Lake Erie up to that time occurred just
outside the Port Maitland harbour. The Despatch, stationed at the
naval depot, rammed the steamer Commerce, which was damaged so
badly that it sank in a very short time. The Commerce had been en
route to London with 125 officers and men of the 23rd regiment of
the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, their wives and children. Those saved
were put on board the Minos and taken to the naval establishment.
The actual number of those who perished that night has never been
definitely established. Twenty-five bodies recovered from the wreck
were interred in a long grave in Christ's Church cemetery. A
monument placed over the grave by the regiment remains as a
reminder of the tragedy."
The monument is still legible after all these years. You may
find it interesting to read after you have located the cache. Also,
be sure to enjoy the great view of the lake, the pier and the Port
Maitland Light.
Update: A detailed account of the sinking of
the Commerce can be found here.
This is the first cache I have hidden. It's a small camouflaged
lock n lock container. At the time of hiding it contained the
following:
- Log book and pencil
- Geocache note
- An Oakcoins "First to Find" pin for the first to
find
- A small blue toy pickup truck for trading purposes
- A new travel bug I'm releasing here
