Pohick Episcopal Church
Fairfax County, Virginia
The parish church of Mount Vernon, six miles distant from the Mansion was built during the years 1768-70 from plans drawn by General Washington, who was a member of the building committee. He was a vestryman of the parish for twenty years, and for the greater part of that time was a regular attendant at service, never permitting, as Bishop Meade says, “the weather or company keep him from church.” Subsequently Washington became connected with Christ Church, Alexandria, where today [1910] his family pew may be seen as he used it.
Pohick Church, during the Civil War, was occupied at times by Federal troops and all the interior furnishings were destroyed. For years the attempt at restoration has been afoot, but funds for the purpose are difficult to secure. A new roof, new floor, ceiling, and walls of plaster, have been achieved. The pulpit, font, reredos, and majority of the pews have been faithfully restored. To reproduce precisely the other appointments of the interior, efforts are now (1910) in progress. This meritorious project of restoring to its original appearance Washington’s family church should appeal more successfully to the public, especially to the patriotic societies having interest in such sacred restorations.
