Gotha Rural Settlement Association, Inc.

Eagle Scout Leadership Candidate John David Elzeer with Troop 223 Windermere Union Church, UCC completed Phase II of clearing away thick, low-lying vegetation and brush to ensure smooth, direct access for GPR antenna at historic Turnverein-Zion Lutheran Evangelical Cemetery in the Gotha Rural Settlement Association, Inc. It is also in the Master Site Files for Florida Division of Historical Resources. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a non-destructive, silent technology used to locate unmarked graves, voids, and soil disturbances in cemeteries, allowing for safe site expansion and mapping. It works by emitting low-power radio waves to create a 3D picture of the subsurface without digging. Gotha Historian Kathleen Klare visited the site to see their progress and give historic information. Gotha's German pioneers including Nehrling Gardens family members are buried here.

Earn community service hours and assist in the restoration of a significant piece of Gotha, Orange County and Florida history! Eagle Scout Leadership Candidate John David Elzeer with Troop 223 Windermere Union Church, UCC appreciates your help at Turnverein-Zion Lutheran Cemetery, located at corner of Hempel Avenue/Morton Jones Road, in the Gotha Rural Settlement Association, Inc., on Sunday, April 19, at 8am. Prior to utilizing ground-penetrating radar (GPR) in the historic cemetery, thorough ground preparation is necessary to ensure the radar cart can move smoothly and produce clear data. Phase I key tasks include removing surface vegetation (brush, tall grass, weeds), clearing debris, removing fallen branches, and ensuring the surface is relatively level to maintain maximum soil contact. Florida's first German American Colony of pioneers are buried here including Nehrling Gardens settlers. It is in the Master Site Files for the Florida Division of Historical Resources.