Occoquan, Va. — Residents gathered Sunday night at the Ebenezer Baptist Church on the corner of Washington and Commerce streets in Occoquan to attend the annual Town Blessing. This blessing, held by the church’s Reverend Lundy, was a chance for residents to come together to ring in some Christmas cheer and give thanks.
The blessing service was held in the church, where the choir sang Christmas carols and Lundy gave his sermon on the story of Jesus at Christmastime. From there the group moved to a nearby gazebo , where town residents held candles in a circle around Lundy. The reverend then blessed the town and all those who are disadvantaged and in need of assistance this holiday season.
This long standing tradition has been a part of the community for many years, and is a way for community members to come together during the season of giving. Mayor Earnie Porta commented that this tradition of the Town Blessing started far before his time as mayor.
When the Town Blessing concluded, all of the residents moved to nearby Madigan’s Waterfront Restaurant for the annual Occoquan Town Party, with food, drinks and celebration of the Christmas season. Delegate Luke Torian (D-52, Dumfries, Occoquan, Woodbridge), as well as Occoquan Town Council members and town merchants were in attendance.
