Fredericksburg spent the weekend commemorating the 200th anniversary of General Lafayette’s historic 1824 visit. The Lafayette Bicentennial Commemoration Weekend featured two free public events that closely mirrored the original activities hosted in Lafayette’s honor.

Today will begin with a special Masonic Welcome at Fredericksburg’s historic Masonic Lodge No. 4, located at 803 Princess Anne Street. From 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., General Lafayette, portrayed by Mark Schneider of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, was made an honorary Lodge Member in a ceremony that highlighted artifacts from his original 1824 visit, including the very punch bowl used during the reception two centuries ago.

At noon, a Historic Church Service was held at St. George’s Episcopal Church, where Lafayette and his entourage joined the community in prayer and thanksgiving. The service mirrored the original event, complete with an address by the Rev. Edward McGuire, who was both the church’s rector and a fellow Mason in 1824.

This afternoon, history enthusiasts can attend a book lecture at the Masonic Lodge from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Historian Chris Ruli will present insights from his forthcoming book, Brother Lafayette, delving into the General’s ties to the Masonic fraternity and his enduring impact.

Throughout the afternoon, guided tours will also be available from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., offering visitors a closer look at venues tied to Lafayette’s visit. Departing every half hour from Market Square, these tours feature the George Washington Mother Lodge and other key sites.

The weekend began yesterday with a Welcome Event at 10 a.m. in Market Square. General Lafayette, portrayed by Mark Schneider of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, arrived in a horse-drawn carriage to cheers from the community. Attendees enjoyed performances of period music and appearances by historical interpreters in authentic 1820s attire. Following the reception, guests explored the Fredericksburg Area Museum’s exhibit, Lafayette’s World: Revolutionary Ideals and the Limits of Freedom.

In the afternoon, visitors participated in guided tours of the George Washington Mother Lodge (Masonic Lodge No. 4) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tours departed every half hour, offering a detailed look at sites Lafayette visited during his stay.

General Lafayette’s 1824 tour of the U.S. came during a time of division and uncertainty. Invited by President James Monroe, his visit marked the 50th anniversary of American independence and celebrated the shared ideals of liberty, equality, and unity. As the last living American Revolutionary War general, Lafayette was met with universal affection and gratitude across all 24 states of the young nation.

Lafayette’s advocacy for human rights, religious freedom, and the abolition of slavery left a lasting impact. His 1824 tour brought hope and inspiration to a nation in turmoil, and his legacy continues to resonate 200 years later.

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Meet the Principal Series Continues: Manassas Local Editor Caitlyn Meisner launched this series at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year to introduce nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County Schools. Now, we're shifting focus to highlight the new and existing principals in Manassas City Public Schools. Each principal has answered the same questions (in bold), and their responses will be shared below. Stay tuned as we continue to profile the educational leaders shaping our community’s schools.

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Gainesville Community Choir (GCC) will perform a collaborative concert this winter entitled “From Darkness to Light” featuring Dan Forrest’s LUX: the Dawn from On High and other songs for the season with Fairfax Choral Society. Performances will take place at Grace United Methodist Church in Manassas on Friday, December 6, and Annandale United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 7, both concerts starting at 7:30 p.m. This highly anticipated concert will feature over 200 musicians, making it the largest group of singers ever amassed by the Gainesville-based group.

Since its formation in 2013, GCC has always been committed to its mission to enrich, educate, and entertain through intentional community-building and developing and supporting musical excellence. Gainesville Community Choir was honored to receive the Seefeldt Award for Outstanding Arts Organization in 2023. In addition to that distinction, conductor and co-founder Jacob Lash recently received the 2024 Seefeldt Award for Outstanding Arts Educator. GCC’s Board of Directors believes that both vocal technique and expression are essential to achieving this mission. Rehearsals incorporate lessons in vocal technique and music literacy, and the choir strives to thoughtfully impact the hearts and souls of audiences and the surrounding communities through their performances.

Conductor Jacob Lash holds a Master’s degree in Conducting and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from George Mason University. He is joined by Associate Conductor Preston Atkins, who recently completed his Bachelor’s in Music Education from Ithaca College. Both Lash and Atkins are music teachers in Prince William County and they carry their passion for music education through to their work with GCC and honors choirs throughout the area. Pam Sottosani serves as the group’s accompanist and plays piano for rehearsals and concerts. They are supported by a strong and talented team of section leaders.

As a non-auditioned choir, GCC enables people from every walk of life to experience the joy of singing with others. The members come from all levels of musical experience, training, and background. In Lash’s words, “we come together to celebrate God’s gift of music, and we find great joy in singing together and sharing our music with the communities of Northern Virginia.” The GCC Spring and Fall seasons culminate in major concerts in May and December. Their professionally recorded album Journey Home is available for purchase on their website and will also be available at their concert for $10.00.

Tickets for “From Darkness to Light” are $20 adults, $15 students age 14 through college, and free for age 13 and under. Tickets are available at the event and can be purchased via cash, check, credit card, Venmo, or PayPal. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to the concert and seating is general admission. The concert is approximately 90 minutes long with one intermission. Visit GCC’s website for more information: https://gainesvillecommunitychoir.com/tickets/