The white frame house was built in 1843 for the Reverend William Sharts, who was pastor to the Lutheran congregations of Williamsburg Township in the middle of the 19th century. Lutheranism came to Upper Canada with the Loyalist migration as early as 1784. This made the Lutherans the first denomination to organize as a congregation in this area.

Some of the furnishings in the house reflect a German heritage, notably books in the study and the prints and pictures connected with the early history of Lutheranism. In fact, many Lutheran pastors preached in German, kept church records in German, and kept a lively contact with German settlers in neighbouring townships.

Visitors to the house can see first hand how families lived in the village. Like many other houses in the village, it was also used as a meeting place for business; members of the congregation were able to enter the pastor's study from an outside door.