Five Historical Facts About One of Wildwood's Oldest Buildings

Most people don't think "history" when they think of Wildwood, but that doesn't mean the area is without connections to the region's past. 

Take, for example, the Pond Historic District, which is home to structures such as the Bethel United Methodist Church. It dates back to 1875 and I recently stopped by to receive a tour from George G. Gaehle. 

Gaehle, 83, a Korean War Veteran, has lived in what is now known as Wildwood for nearly his entire life and has been a member of the church since the 1950s. He has also served as caretaker of the cemetery for 22 years. 

He shared with me some interesting tidbits about the property's history. 

1) The original church (which is still standing, according to Gaehle) is actually located off Wildhorse Creek Road near Hart Road. A tiny, one-room structure, it was built in 1858. 

2) The congregation switched to the current building after a clerical mix-up revealed they didn't actually have the deed for the land. 

3) St. Louis Marble Company came to the rescue of the Methodists, then the Episcopal South Methodists, and offered the land, provided it always remain as a church and a cemetery. 

4) Bethel United Methodist has undergone numerous additions over the years, many of which have expanded handicap access at the urging of Gaehle. His preferred nickname is "The Church of Many Doors."

5) The small entryway that abuts the front of the structure is called the doghouse, according to Gaehle. It was added on in 1953.