250-Year-Old Historical Church Kicks off its “Honoring Our Past Embracing Our Future” Capital Campaign

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
August 1, 2021

Alexandria, VA – With anticipation and excitement, the Old Presbyterian Meeting House officially kicked off its “Honoring Our Past, Embracing Our Future” Capital Campaign in a joint service on Sunday. With a fully masked, full sanctuary, members enjoyed a day of uplifting worship, music, and testimonials followed by a luncheon.  During the service, Pastor Rocky Laha, Lead Pastor, shared an inspirational message from John 6:24-35 on work that endures.  Stating, “Who other than God, can feed over 5000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fishes? Who? Who, other than God, can make a miracle out of such meager gifts, multiplying and using them as a venue for God’s glory?”

The highlight of the morning was when the youth revealed to the congregation $3,317,600 early support towards the future vision of the church as members erupted in cheers.  This is two times more than the church raised in it previous campaign, and with a majority of the congregation still to visit, their need of $5,000,000 is obtainable.  With the hard work of the campaign Co-Chairs and the Steering Team, along with other volunteers, the goal is to meet with 100% of the Meeting House families and share the church vision for the next generation. “All the sacrifice and investment from past generations gives us what we have today. I view ourselves as the benefactors of their faith and commitment to the church.  It is our personal and moral responsibility to help ensure future generations receive the same gifts or more than what we have been given.” said Sam Chamberlain, Co-Chair.

The long-term vision of the campaign is to fully fund the Historic Church Preservation Fund to assure the historical church is properly maintained for years to come.  Also, and most importantly fund program and ministries that will make an impact in the local community and world. “This is an exciting time to be a member of this congregation as we celebrate our past and embrace our future. I believe the Holy Spirit is at work, leading and equipping us for the work at hand” said Pastor Rocky Laha.

In 2022, the Old Presbyterian Meeting House will celebrate 250 years of faithful witness to the love and grace of Jesus Christ.  To celebrate this historical milestone, planning is underway for a series of events, kicking off with the annual Scottish Walk in December 2021 and culminating with a Gala in June 2022.

From Alexandria’s earliest days, the Old Presbyterian Meeting House has played an important role in the city’s history. From the early Scottish settlers to our dynamic congregation of today, the Meeting House remains a strong religious force in the community.  We stand on the shoulders of the many faithful followers who have come before us.

“I am so honored to be part of the vision God has for the Meeting House and to walk the journey with them. The Meeting House is a warm and welcoming church.  I have heard that people come for the historic church but stay for the people.  This is so true.  They made me feel right at home and accepted me into their community” said Mel Kalagian, Senior Campaign Director with James D. Klote & Associates.

James D. Klote & Associates is a full-time, on-site capital stewardship consulting firm with offices in Falls Church, Virginia as well as Chicago, Toronto and Los Angeles. Klote & Associates was also recently ranked the #1 church stewardship consulting firm in the United States by Volkart May, a market research firm in Minnesota.