You are invited to Hekkla Community Church for the dedication of the new window in memory of Jacob Einarson and Family, members of the original settlers in this first Icelandic settlement area in Canada.

Visit the only cemetery in existence with both Icelandic and English on the tombstones.  Pack a lunch for a picnic.

Note –   Outside washroom available

Call Gail for directions or to join a car pool.  416 762 8627

The church at Hekkla, Ontario, was established shortly after 1896. The original settlement of Hekkla began in 1873, and is located just northeast of the Muskoka Lakes It is the oldest Icelandic settlement in Canada. The settlement was never large. Settlers would come and settlers would leave. They would leave primarily for New Iceland and North Dakota. There was always a remnant remaining. The name “Hekkla” came about because the Post Office insisted upon that spelling. By 1896 the settlement was largely of Icelandic, Germanic and English people. The land for the church was purchased from an Icelandic settler. An unused church nearby was purchased by the community, dismantled and reconstructed by volunteers on the property. It was served by Methodist and Presbyterian pastors and, when the Methodist and Presbyterian churches merged, by a United church pastor. It has been closed for many years except for very occasional Special services. The cemetery adjacent to the church has had recent burials. The church is maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers.

Text provided by John & Donna Rutford.