It’s been more than two years since survey responses from the congregation overwhelmingly supported the installation of a sound system in the Church. By the time you read this, the system will finally be in place.

            The reason for the time lag? Because we wanted to get the right system for our historic church: something largely invisible to the eye, yet effective in transmitting the spoken voice to the ear.

            Our Historic Foundation took up the charge from the Vestry, first to research the possibilities and then to take the lead in fundraising. On the first count, members made field trips to several churches to investigate their installations and to solicit advice. After reviewing various proposals they recommended to the Vestry the services of Dorset Sound & Communications. Once given the green light, they then led a successful fundraising drive that covered the bulk of the system’s $19,000 cost (they are still accepting donations to make up the $3,000 difference).

            At the time of this writing, we’ve tested the (mostly installed) system over two Sundays. While we’re still tweaking the sound levels for the various mikes, the comments have been overwhelmingly positive. A number of parishioners remarked that they could clearly hear the sermon and/or other spoken parts of the service for the first time - particularly gratifying comments for us to hear!

            In addition to the fixed mikes and the mostly invisible speakers, the system also includes six wireless microphones and eight receivers for the hearing impaired. Soon, we will also have the capability of recording all or part of the service for those not able to regularly attend.

            I’d like to thank the members of the Historic Foundation for all their good work on this project, especially for the leadership of Bill Wrench and Roberta Fede. In addition, I’d like to thank all the generous donors who made the purchase of the system possible.

            The outcome of this collaboration is that when the Word of God is read and proclaimed, the prayers prayed, and the Eucharist celebrated, parishioners can now hear and participate in worship better than has ever been possible at Pohick.

             For that we can truly give thanks!