Tour a little-known local cemetery at June 14 walk

Posted May 28, 2015 11:00 pm

Zion United Methodist Church

In celebration of its 170th year of ministry to the Hampshire community, Zion United Methodist Church invites everyone to walk the sacred grounds of their beginning.

Come and see a local cemetery you didn't know existed at the Aurand Cemetery Walk from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, June 14, at 45W478 Kelley Road, Hampshire.

In 1845, German-speaking farmers from Ohio founded the first congregation, built a church and parsonage in nearby Pigeon Woods, and the Aurand German Evangelical Cemetery in honor of John Aurand who donated the land.

The original structure for German Evangelical Church was located adjacent to the Aurand Cemetery.

Learn about local history, the beginning of what is now Zion United Methodist Church, and the founding of Hampshire.

There will be local historians, music and refreshments.

The cemetery walk is free.

Parking will be available on Kelley Road between Widmayer and Ketchum roads.

For information, call Deanne Tamms at (847) 683-2499.

The program is provided by the members of Zion United Methodist Church in celebration of 170 years of ministry.

Visit www.facebook.com/ZionUnitedMethodistChurchOfHampshire or www.zionunitedmethodistchurchofhampshire.com.

Hampshire farmer Philip Munch, a private in Company "K" 52nd Illinois Infantry, is buried at the Aurand Cemetery. Join a cemetery walk and learn the early history of the Hampshire pioneers on Sunday, June 14. Courtesy of Zion UMC

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