Todd Talk (August 2016)

The past several weeks are the greatest examples of dog days of summer.  I feel for our landscape crew and the nearby construction workers working on the Benn’s Church/Benn’s Grant roadways projects.  Amidst all of this roadwork we have remained open for tours and gift shopping.  Although the heat and construction may have proved to much for some visitors others have certainly ventured to Virginia’s Oldest Church and enjoyed their visits.  We continue earning Five Star reviews on TripAdvisor during this period and appreciate all of those kind comments.  As a thank you for everyone’s support we are launching a special offer.

For the last week of August (25th-31st) HSL is offering complimentary admissions every day to every one.  Now is the chance to bring your family and friends to the #1 ranked must-see thing-to-do and attraction in Smithfield.  Of course we appreciate your generous donations and gift shop purchases during this week, but we would like you to enjoy our 45-minute guided tours more than anything. So brave the heat and construction and enjoy a world-class guided tour at your local National Historic Landmark, Historic St. Luke’s.

We have a very busy Fall in store for you.  Make sure to visit our calendar for a complete listing.

Saturday, August 27th, 2016 at 1 p.m. God Save The Kingdom: Loyalism and Ministers in Revolutionary Virginia, 1765-1783 presented by Mrs. Stephanie Walters, Ph.D. student from George Mason University. Her program addresses the impact of the American War for Independence on Loyalist Clergy and the Anglican Church in America. Tickets are $15 per person. Seating is limited to the first 25 registrants and only a few tickets remain! After exceeding 25 registrants, inquirers will be placed on a waiting list that will be informed if additional space is available. To register and purchase your tickets online visit http://historicstlukes.org/event/god-save-kingdom/ .

Saturday and Sunday, September 10 – 11, 2016 General from Whitemarsh:  A celebration of Joseph Bridger:  A 1680s living history weekend  Join us for reenactor demos, an educational lecture from Dr. Doug Owsley, period music and vendors, demonstrations, twilight cemetery tours, and a 1680s interpretive church service.  Prevailing admission rates apply.  With membership comes complimentary admissions!  Buy a ticket once and use it all weekend!

Help us in congratulating two couples who began lives together in July:

Mr. and Mrs. Albino

Mr. and Mrs. Zascoski

Historic St. Luke’s would like to welcome aboard the following:

Catherine Porter

Susan K. Scott

You can hear more about these individuals and their exciting projects in upcoming blogs. We are also proud to announce that we are participating members of the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Click here for more information on the award.

With your support HSLR has hit the ground running for the 2017 Fiscal Year which began on July 1st, 2016.  With gifts up to $5,000 each the following list of contributors have made our July one for the record books!  Please join us in thanking them.

Mr. Frank Atkinson

Mr. Steve Bowler

Mr. Jon Bolling

Mr. Judson Bush

Ms. Billie Cook

Ms. Dolores Cherrington

Mr. Robert Claud

Mr. E. Dana Dickens, III

Mr. Theodore Davis

The Dominion Foundation

Ms. Isabelle Duke

Mr. Robert Edwards

Ms. Carroll Frohman

Mr. William Futrell, Jr.

Mr. Ian Goodwin

Mr. Matthew Goodwin

Mr. John Graham

Mr. Parke Griffin

Mr. John Griswold

Mr. Cliff Gwaltney

Mr. Keith Gwaltney

Mr. Terry Harrison

Mr. William Hodsden

Mrs. Gloria LaBoone

Ms. Leslie Langley

Mr. Dave McConnico

Mr. Everett C. Parrish

Mr. Lee Paul

Ms. Martha Ruggles

Mr. Austin Rutledge

Ms. Wanda Sannicandro

Mr. Ray Smith

Mr. Robert Temps

Heflin and Williams, Inc.

July also saw the renewal and beginning of many folks’ memberships.  Welcome part of the HSLR community!

Mrs. Margaret Gunn

Mr. Channing Hall, III

Mr. and Mrs. Bob and Caroline Hurt

Ms. Debbie Ogan

Ms. Elaine Powell “The Heritage Lady”

We look forward to seeing you at one of our many educational and special events this Autumn season.

Sincerely,

Todd