Sketch of Bethabara

This 1853 study sketch of the Bethabara Gemein Haus documents temporary structures that were built in preparation for Bethabara’s centennial celebration of its founding.  Church minutes record:

Our members with some of our friends commenced making the necessary preparation on our premises or the celebration of our Jubilee on the 17^th inst.  For this purpose a large platform was erected alongside the church for the use of the ministers, opposite to it along the fence another one for the musicians, the space between was filled up with seats. — Diary of the Bethabara Congregation, November 7 and 8, 1853

The notes in the margins specifying “foliage rich autumn,” “sunset lights,” and “Sunset- clear sky—crimson cloud” suggest that this study was meant to be used to create a final work.