Blessing of the Hounds Ceremony at Grace Episcopal

From Virginia- (with video)

Grace Episcopal Church in Keswick is giving thanks in a different way Thursday. For the 83rd consecutive year, the church celebrated the Blessing of the Hounds - the oldest ceremony of its kind in the country.

Grace Episcopal Church began their Blessing of the Hounds ceremony on Thanksgiving 1929 as a way of encouraging fox hunters to come to church.

Now, almost a century later, the tradition continues. More than 1,000 people packed the courtyard in front of Grace Episcopal Church Thursday morning.

Some came from as far away as Shanghai, China to watch as riders and foxhounds from the Keswick Hunt Club assembled for the blessing ceremony. For many, it's part of what their Thanksgiving tradition is all about.

Grace Episcopal Church Rector Julie Norton said, "It's colorful, it's spectacular, the weather is wonderful. It's just a good way to begin to celebrate Thanksgiving."

http://www.nbc29.com/story/16119103/blessing-of-the-hounds-ceremony-at-grace-episcopal