Gilbert Ketcheson would donate 15 acres of his land bordering on the Burnbrae Road for the community to build a church and manse. This would be the birth of Burnbrae Presbyterian Church.
The church and graveyard were established in 1836 according to the plaques outside. This would mean that he donated the land shortly after acquiring it. Such an act would certainly give him a certain status within the community. Considering his age it is obvious that he was a very devout young man. He would have been only 21 at that time the land was donated.
The church and graveyard were established in 1836 according to the plaques outside. This would mean that he donated the land shortly after acquiring it. Such an act would certainly give him a certain status within the community. Considering his age it is obvious that he was a very devout young man. He would have been only 21 at that time the land was donated.
While looking at a Google map yesterday of the area and trying to locate my home, I came across and interesting notation. While there really was no town of Burnbrae to my knowledge, the plot of land where the house sits is labeled on the map as "Burnbrae". This leads me to believe that Gilbert Ketcheson's farm was called "Burnbrae". That would make sense that the church would also carry that name, since it was severed from his homestead. More investigation will be needed here.