Blessing of the Hounds

​First held on November 28, 1929, Grace Episcopal Church was one of the first churches in the country to have a “Blessing of the Hounds” service–a tradition that has continued each Thanksgiving Day since.

 

The outdoor service attracts up to 1,000 attendees from around the area.  Cider and donuts are given out before the service, and hunters from the Keswick Hunt Club conduct a fox hunt following the service of thanksgiving.  We traditionally collect donations for local animal charities. 

 

View a list of beneficiaries by year.