We're Celebrating 250 Years!
In 2022, the Old Presbyterian Meeting House marks an important milestone-250 years of worship, service and fellowship in the Alexandria community and beyond! Join the celebration with a series of upcoming programs and events, leading to a grand “reunion weekend” at the end of June.
Please join us! All are welcome!
May 15
In celebration of the Meeting House’s 250th anniversary, the Meeting House Festival Choir and Orchestra present Haydn’s imaginative 1797 oratorio, The Creation. Conducted by Music Director, Dr. Steven Seigart, this groundbreaking work retells the Genesis story and will be performed alongside a new work by a commissioned composer/librettist pair written for the occasion. This concert is free and open to the public and will be live-streamed and made available on our Vimeo channel.
June 23-26 | Reunion Weekend
Thursday, June 23
Two local authors, Dave Smith (OPMH Member) and Ellen Hamilton will discuss their newest books about the Scottish migration to America and how it contributed to our nation’s founding. Kevin Butterfield, the executive director of the Washington Library will moderate. Tickets are free but required and will be available from the Mount Vernon Library.
Friday, June 24
Artwork and photos featuring the church and community including a special exhibit on weddings, baptisms, retreats, mission trips, and historical events. Includes reception. Free, no tickets required.
250th Anniversary Art Show Entries Needed
We have received some great photos but want to include yours! If you were married at the Meeting House or baptized here, we want to add you to the show! Or if you are an artist and have painted the Meeting House, we want to include you, too!
Saturday, June 25
Join us for a continental breakfast and a tour of the Presbyterian Cemetery established in 1809. The cemetery is located at 600 Hamilton Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314. Here you will learn about this historic cemetery and its important place in the history of our city and congregation. Free. No tickets required.
Join current and former members, friends and special guests for a fun-filled evening of great food and company at the Virginia Theological Seminary, 3737 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA. This Grand Gala will feature a tribute to many of the most memorable people and events that have contributed to the rich history of the Meeting House.
*Black tie optional.
Tickets are $150/person and will go on sale May 1, opmh.org/250th.
Sunday, June 26
Join us for worship in the Sanctuary at 11:00 AM to celebrate our past, present and our future. Childcare available.
Our last event of the weekend is a picnic for everyone at Fort Hunt Park, 8999 Fort Hunt Rd., Alexandria, VA 22308. We will have fried chicken, anniversary cake, hymn sing-along, and games. Come as you are following the 11:00 AM worship service. Free, but RSVP so we have plenty of chicken!
Be Part of History
The Zebra Press is dedicating its June 2022 cover story and several pages to telling the story of the 250th Anniversary of the Old Presbyterian Meeting House. Be sure to pick up your copy in June!
There are two ways to support the effort to defray the costs of printing and distribution. Rates have been reduced by 50 % for Meeting House parishioners and supporters for the June issue of the Zebra.
Do you own a business? Did you or someone in your family get married at the Meeting House? Were you baptized here? A special event? Consider an ad to commemorate these important events.
Past Events
History of the Meeting House, Two-part Series February 5 and 12, 2022
In this two-part program, Donald Dahmann, longtime Meeting House member and chair of the History and Archives Committee, offered his observations on the storied history of the Meeting House. The first session covered the overarching history of the congregation from the colonial era to modern times; the second session focused on the evolution of worship practices. Both sessions were recorded.
George Washington's Birthday Parade
February 21, 2022
With our float leading the way, Meeting House members and friends marched in Alexandria’s George Washington’s Birthday parade.
Reformed Thought and the Early American Revolution
March 3-6, 2022
How has the Reformed tradition spoken to the issues that have vexed American democracy since its very beginnings? This series of four lectures explored how Reformed ideas of providence, conversion, human nature, and moral freedom informed free-market perspectives, encounters with Native Americans, the impulse toward revolution and national independence, and the idea of race-based slavery as protected in the Constitution.
Reading & Reflections on the Meeting House
April 3, 2022
Tapping into our own considerable talent, Meeting House members will read from historic sermons, prose and poetry, recite from the church’s history, and maybe even share imaginings of the church’s future. Too many to ignore are the significant ideas, memorable expressions and carefully crafted words that were written and spoken by our predecessors. Time to hear them.
Meeting House Tours
April 23, 2022
In conjunction with Historic Garden Week and the tour of Alexandria homes and gardens the Meeting House will be open for FREE tours from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Come find out why the clock in the Sanctuary is stuck at 10:20….or why there are no stained glass windows…and lots more! No reservations needed, just stop by!