The Pohick Episcopal Church, 9301 Richmond Highway (U.S. Route 1), Lorton, Virginia.
The Church was built from 1767 to 1774, and the site and building plans were selected by vestryman George Washington. The churchyard contains graves of early Americans including Revolutionary War soldiers. We shall sing in the accoustically very lively and elegant Common Room of the Parish Hall next to the historic church, which will be open for sightseeing.
Driving directions from the Washington Beltway (I-495):
From Beltway (I-495) Exit 57 (old Exit 4 if your map is outdated) in Virginia, take Route I-95 south (toward Richmond) 6.5 miles to Route 642 (Exit 163). When the exit ramp reaches Route 642 turn left* toward Lorton and go 1 mile (south) to U.S. Route 1 (follow signs). Turn left on Route 1 and go for 1 mile to Pohick Church, which is on the right. Look for a historic plaque.
When approaching the complex I-95/I-395 interchange of the Beltway, be attentive and observe signs carefully to get on the correct ramp. If you are coming from Alexandria on the inner loop of the Beltway (going west), take the new left spur to get onto I-95 going south toward Richmond. Construction around the Springfield interchange of I-95 has been completed, so transit through this area should be faster than in previous years; however, one must be attentive to signs if unfamiliar with the new traffic patterns.
*Turn right to get to the recommended motel, Comfort Inn Gunston Corner, which is located just to the right and up the hill from where the exit ramp for I-95 terminates at Route 642.
Parking at the church: If entering the church grounds from U.S. Route 1, park in either the spaces next to the Parish Hall or in the overflow lot down the hill by the cemetery. If entering the church grounds from Old Colchester Rd., you will find a small lot next to the Parish Hall.
Public Transportation? None on weekends. For help with transportation, join the email list Chesapeakeshapenotes@yahoogroups.com at http://go.to/shapenotes, and then request a ride.
The Great Falls Grange, 9818 Georgetown Pike (Virginia route 193), Great Falls Virginia, (six miles west-northwest of the I-495 Beltway exit 44 (old exit no. 13).)
Built in 1929 for the Great Falls chapter of the Fraternal Order of Husbandry (also known as the Grange movement), this classic public assembly hall has been the site of private and community gatherings, as well as musical and theatrical performances, throughout its life. The upstairs room, has phenomenal acoustics for Sacred Harp singing, and is of the ideal size for 100-135 singers. The room has hardwood floors, plaster walls, barrel-vaulted bead board (wooden) ceiling, and large windows, and has elegant touches, such as chandeliers, as well.
Directions:
A: If coming from Interstate 495 (Beltway), exit at Virginia exit 44 (old exit no. 13) (Rte. 193, Georgetown Pike) following the signs to Great Falls, VA. (The ramps are simple when coming from Virginia, but if coming from Maryland, cross the Potomac River in the right lane, and just after the bridge, you MUST enter a service lane marked for exit 43-44; stay in this service lane until you reach exit 44/Rte. 193.) Travel west on Rte. 193 toward Great Falls, VA for 6.2 miles to the red-brick Grange on the right at 9818 next to the public library and just prior to the Village shopping center.B: If coming from D.C., get onto the George Washington Parkway along the west bank of the Potomac and follow it northwest to the Beltway, at which point follow the "Virginia" sign and then the service lane to Rte. 193, and proceed as above.
C: If approaching from the west on Rte. 7, turn eastward onto Rte. 193 at Dranesville and go 3.1 miles east to Great Falls Village and continue 0.2 mile to the Grange on the left.
Parking is in lots and spaces for the Grange and public library. There is frequently an employee of Fairfax County Historic Properties to guide you. Sometimes all spaces are full and singers have parked on the side of Georgetown Pike or in the lots of the shopping center just beyond (west of) the Grange area.
Note for Sightseers: After singing, consider visiting Great Falls National Park (fee), which is entered 1.8 miles east of the Grange on Rte. 193.
Public Transportation? None on weekends. For help with transportation, join the email list Chesapeakeshapenotes@yahoogroups.com at http://go.to/shapenotes, and then request a ride.
Based on those published by ADC "The Map People"
and on Microsoft’s Expedia™ Streets and Trips 2000