THE SPIRIT OF POHICK

By Brook Voght
August 20, 2003

The daily hustle and bustle that we see on Route 1 is a vivid reminder of the urban growth and the accompanying intensity that are occurring all around Pohick. On the one hand, one shudders at the prospect of more traffic and development, but on the other one cannot help but be excited about the blossoming opportunities for our Parish to serve the community even more than before in its historical role as a spiritual sanctuary. There is one thing that we all should want to ensure, which is that our Parish keeps its special spirit alive (both with respect to our Lord and among ourselves) in pursuit of our collective mission.

It is remarkable to think that our Parish has been a source of spiritual nourishment for numerous generations since colonial times (200+ years). Think of all that Pohick has seen in the years gone by. It has survived all sorts of circumstances through numerous wars, including a revolution and a civil war, through dramatic changes in the church, such as when we became the Episcopal Church upon the formation of our new nation and when we included women in the priesthood, and also through depressions, boom times and other challenging issues, whether agreeable or disagreeable to individual parishioners or parishes. Thus, our former Parishioners stayed the course and favorably responded to whatever situations that they faced. Pohick has endured one way or another, and today it continues to add to its spiritual heritage. That is our legacy and Pohick's destiny.

Each of us is a member of the parish where George Washington and George Mason found spiritual sanctuary as they helped to form our great country (members are permanently on Pohick's historical rolls). The same sense of collective peace and fulfillment they had is still alive here, which should give us all a feeling of satisfaction, even pride and excitement. Whether walking around Pohick's grounds, sitting in church or meeting in the parish house, one is reminded of the marvelous history at hand and the closeness to our Maker. Pohick still shelters us from the distractions of everyday life, making them a little more distant and less threatening. There is an uplifting sense of renewal and fellowship here that provides a solid sense of family.

Recently a commentator remarked that most of what we do everyday (e.g., watching TV, shopping, commuting or mowing the grass) is fairly meaningless. That is certainly not so when it comes to our sharing Pohick's Spirit, which is something greater than we are, individually, and which is good and enduring.

The next time you visit Pohick and have a moment to yourself, remember the significance of where you are, and see if you don't feel some of that sublime Pohick Spirit. It is truly real and special, although perhaps indescribable. Indeed, the activities of our Parish are visible proof of Pohick's Spirit at work today. We are blessed to be part of such a marvelous legacy. We are also committed to cultivate and share it with others. In this way, we will continue our work for others. So let's keep that precious flame burning and light the candles of many others in our community now and in the future. Let's promise our Lord, each other and ourselves that we
will strive to do the things that are necessary to preserve and accomplish our wonderful, ageless mission. What we pursue together is enhanced by our collective purpose and blessed by the Amazing Grace found in our shared faith.

—The POHICK CAPITAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE

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