Deyell Parkette

The Deyell Parkette is named in memory of James and Ann Deyell. 

Between 1820 and 1822, brothers James Deyell and John Deyell, two of Millbrook’s earliest settlers, constructed and operated the first gristmill in Cavan Township. They signed a Memorial of Intent in 1824 that outlined their respective responsibilities. John provided the finances to establish and maintain the complex while James provided the land, maintenance, and general operation of the facility. 

In 1827, James entered into a partnership with John Huston in the trade of distilling whiskey. This enterprise may have provided the name for the current Distillery Street located just 25 metres west of the Parkette. 

In his last Will and Testament, James ordered and directed his Executors to expend a sum not to exceed $400 to erect a suitable vault and monument over his late wife and himself. This monument also indicates where the first church and graveyard stood in Millbrook. This church was the New Connexion Church, which would later be amalgamated by the Methodist Church and finally the United Church of Canada.

New Connection Church

In September of 1838, James Deyell provided approximately 0.5 acres of land to the Methodist Church of Millbrook for the construction of the New Connexion Church. The depression in the ground shows the location of the Church.

The original Church was a wood frame structure with modest wooden seating. In 1850, a red brick building replaced the original wood-frame structure. 

A cemetery was associated with the Church. The markers displayed in the Deyell Parkette represent a small number of the original grave markers. 

In 1885, the Church was demolished and the cemetery abandoned.