Blessing of the Hounds Service at Grace Episcopal Church at Grace Episcopal Church

Grace Episcopal Church
5607 Gordonsville Road
Keswick, VA 22947

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Grace Church is one of six "colonial" churches in Virginia; this means it was founded when Virginia was still a colony under the dominion of the King of England... founded over 200 years ago and has held services consistently ever since.

The original church was constructed in 1745. The second building was built between 1846-1854, and consecrated in 1855. Forty years later, the church burned. The present church was rebuilt and consecrated in 1896.

The first annual Blessing of the Hounds service was held on Thanksgiving Day in 1929, and is held every year. The ceremony traces its roots to St. Hubert, the patron saint of hunters who lived in eighth century France. The ceremony involves formally attired foxhunters, their horses and hounds, and combines prayers for blessing and protection with thanksgiving for the harvest.

Accessibility:  

Date/Hours:
Thursday, November 26, 2009 (10:00 AM-12:30 PM)

Children Welcome

Telephone:
Church Office: (434) 293-3549
Fax: (434) 293-9711

Email:
gracekeswick@earthlink.net

Website:
www.gracekeswick.org