The Vestry meeting began at 6:15 pm on May 12. The Vestry members did their annual walk of the property, and discussed many things along the way.

Following the Spiritual Welfare of the Cure and Compline, Roberta Fede, Paul Peterson, Bill Poad and Oscar Wells were granted seat and voice to brief the Vestry on the unanimous selection of an architectural firm from a field of 12 recommended firms. The process was comprehensive and showed great dedication and expertise - managerial, financial, engineering and aesthetic. Both the Property and Finance Committees have been briefed and recommended approval to the Vestry. The Vestry approved the expenditure of up to $30,000 to proceed.

For clarity, there are three separate but related projects ongoing with respect to Pohick property.

(1) Last month Bill Wrench made a presentation on fundraising to provide for the maintenance and preservation of Pohick historic property. The Pohick Historic Foundation effort will focus primarily on donors outside the parish who have a history of supporting similar projects, and whose charitable interest would be preservation of the historic parish house.

(2) The selection and contracting of the architectural firm will provide a master plan prepared in consultation with key Pohick representatives, elevation representations, and assistance with gaining the necessary permits for renovation and construction. The representations or artist drawings will serve as input to the third project – the Capital Funding Campaign.

(3) The Capital Funding Campaign will be conducted principally within the parish, and will involve discussions with representative members to determine the expected ability to raise funds for building and renovation, followed by the fundraising campaign itself.

In essence, Pohick Historic Foundation helps preserve the Parish House, the architectural firm helps determine future facility needs and alternatives, and the Capital Funding Campaign helps determine the ability to gain and obtain funds. These three planning aspects permit a reasoned direction to make decisions that use resources efficiently, and determine how quickly the projects can proceed. By registering the plans with Fairfax County, the interest of the Church is protected and benchmarked - once registered, Pohick is grandfathered to proceed at its own schedule. Pohick Church is indeed blessed to have such dedicated and resourceful stewards in its service.

The Vestry sadly received Father Binder’s announcement of the impending resignation of Victoria Shields Harding, the Minister of Music. Vicky and Matt plan to remain with Pohick in worship as Vicky proceeds to apply her talents in new ways. Her leadership and support have been greatly appreciated. Many have been touched deeply by her teaching, example, and friendship, all of which will be carried in the hearts of the congregation. The personnel, worship and resource committees will begin the search for a new Minister of Music.

Reverend Piver announced the commissioning of the first class of chaplains for the Community of Hope on May 22. The Washington Cathedral road trip is on June 18.

Pete Kind thanked everyone for the very successful clean up day held April 30.

Jim Hayes reported that negotiations have begun on the construction of the driveway to the Rectory from the Pohick Road/Route 1 Intersection.

Christian Education (Sarah Booth and Robin Teale) announced that the Activities Fair was quite successful. One female and two male chaperones are still needed for the youth mission trip.

Connie Eppley and Almetha Powell discussed the finalization of plans for the annual breakfast given by the Vestry in honor of all Pohick volunteers. The breakfast is scheduled for June 12 between the 8:00 am and 10:00 am services.

Phyllis Pinkard has made arrangements for pictures for the pictorial directory to be taken in August and September. This allows flexibility to include college students and vacationers.