A Day of Thanksgiving at Washington Memorial Chapel at Valley Forge

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, on June 27, 2026, a special day of thanksgiving and worship is planned at Washington Memorial Chapel, the Nation's Chapel at Valley Forge located on private property within the Valley Forge National Historical Park.

The day will begin at 2:00p with a viewing of the Sight & Sound film "A Great Awakening" telling the story of The Reverend George Whitefield's powerful preaching during the first great awakening to tens of thousands of Americans and his unlikely friendship with Benjamin Franklin.

Following the movie, at 5:00pm, there will be a special Evensong from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer (the same prayer book that shaped George Washington's faith). Brigadier General Ed Brandt, former US Army Deputy Chief of Chaplain for the Army National Guard and Chief Chaplain, National Guard Bureau, and current Senior Pastor for United Church of Marco Island, Florida, will give the sermon on this occasion of thanksgiving.

Plans for the event include live streaming and an outside screen for viewing due to limited chapel seating. Attendees are advised to bring lawn chairs for the movie, and in the event chapel seating is unavailable, overflow will be on the lawn at the outdoor screen.

For further information, contact:

The Rev'd Tommy Thompson, Rector, Washington Memorial Chapel at Valley Forge

2000 Valley Forge Rd, King of Prussia, PA 19406

(610) 783-0120

fathertommy@wmchapel.org

Donations to help defray event expenses are appreciated. Contact LTC(ret) P. Gardiner at gardpgkg@comcast.net