In 1792 Fairfield, a Moravian missionary settlement of Delaware Indians was established by David Zeisberger just north of here across the Thames. It was destroyed by invading American forces following their victory at the Battle of the Thames, October 5, 1813. Christian Frederick Denke, who guided the homeless Fairfield Indians during the war years, re-established the mission here at New Fairfield in 1815. A small log church was then built which was replaced by a larger log structure in 1827. The Reverend Jesse Vogler built the mission house in 1845 and completed the present church in 1848. The Moravians turned the mission work over to the Methodists in 1902.

Location

On the grounds of the church on the Delaware of the Thames First Nation, County Road 18, Thamesville

Themes

• Buildings and structures
• First Nations
• Religion
• War and conflict