Church and community leaders, members of the community, and

Church and community leaders, members of the community, and friends are invited to join with members of the Rappahannock Historical Society in a “topping off” ceremony and champagne reception on Sunday, May 7 from 3 to 5 p.m.

All are invited to participate in this German “Richfest” building festival, celebrating the completion of the framing of the roof on the much-needed addition to the Society’s building on Gay Street in Washington.

Festivities begin at 3 p.m. at the office of Butch Zindel, across the street from the Society’s building. His office, The Buyer’s Agency, is located at 311 Gay Street. There will be a short membership meeting there followed by the ceremony and reception. The group will walk over to behind the historical society building for the ceremony.

According to this German tradition, a decorated tree will be put on the highest point of the roof, topping off the building. During the ceremony, the builder, in this case, Butch Zindel, will propose a toast to the building and all those present. He will then break his glass against the new building for the good luck of all.

In earlier times, a wide range of people were invited to participate in the “Richfest”, which has its origins in the Middle Ages. Traditionally, the builder, architect (in this case, Jay Monroe), local craftsmen, friends, family and church and community leaders attended the ceremony. The historical society is following this tradition.

The society also has invited Dr. Frank F. Wagner, Language Program Coordinator at the Goethe-Institute in Washington, D.C., who will recite the traditional German poem which marks the Richfest.

The society is looking forward to seeing all of its friends and neighbors at this special celebration which comes during its fundraising campaign for the completion of the long-anticipated addition to the building.