– by Elliott, senior –

As they have been studying the origins of our country within the classroom, the senior high U.S. history classes visited local Pohick Church and Gunston Hall on Sept. 26. 

 Its exact institution date unknown, Pohick Church was the first permanent church in the Virginia colony above the Occoquan River, founded sometime before 1724. As the original structure deteriorated, the elected members presiding over the affairs of the church decided to reconstruct it in sturdier and more permanent brick. George Washington, as one of the elected members, fought for it to be moved to its present—more central and elevated—location. It was rebuilt in the area we see today from 1767 to 1774.

The students were able to witness the style of the colonial church with its enclosed pew boxes and raised platform from which the preacher spoke. Engraved on the pews were the names of various patrons who funded the building of the church, including those of George Washington and George Mason. 

“My favorite part of our field trip was going up in the pulpit and looking down on everyone,” said Alaina, junior.

A five-minute drive from Pohick Church is Gunston Hall, the estate of George Mason—a Virginian elite and founding father, who was an integral part in building the principles of our nation. He was present at the Constitutional Convention and was an avid proponent for the Bill of Rights. 

At Gunston Hall, students were given tours of the bedrooms, kitchens, garden, and more. They viewed the room where Mason wrote the Virginia Declaration of Rights which greatly influenced Thomas Jefferson in his writing of the Declaration of Independence. 

The tour additionally emphasized the reliance upon slavery for managing Gunston Hall—cooking, cleaning, field work, and skilled labor. The students also gained a more personal look into the life of Mason. 

“Going to Gunston Hall helped me grasp some of the concepts of colonial America. I learned how the brick house and extravagant wallpaper displayed Mason’s elite status,” said Rudd, junior. 

Mr. Armstrong, senior high U.S. history teacher, explained why he chose the two locations for the field trip.

“In addition to the proximity of both sites, Pohick Church reflects American worship patterns, and it is where both Mason and Washington attended. As for Gunston Hall, George Mason’s impact as a founder is largely forgotten; I like to shine a light on him,” he said.