Blessing of the Hounds
A Thanksgiving Day Tradition at Saint James Church
For generations, Thanksgiving Day at Saint James Church in Monkton, Maryland has begun with one of the region’s most cherished traditions — the Blessing of the Hounds. Rooted in faith, fellowship, and the rich equestrian heritage of Baltimore County, this annual gathering brings together members of the hunt community, parishioners, neighbors, and visitors for a meaningful celebration before the day’s hunt begins.
Nestled in the heart of Maryland hunt country, Saint James Church has long shared a close relationship with the local hunt clubs and the rural traditions that have shaped the surrounding community for centuries. The rolling countryside, horse farms, and open fields that surround Monkton have made foxhunting an enduring part of local culture, and Saint James has remained a spiritual home for many families connected to that heritage. On Thanksgiving Day in 1929 Hunt members decided to attend the Thanksgiving service at Saint James and begin their fox hunt from the church after the service.
Each Thanksgiving morning, riders in traditional hunt attire gather on horseback alongside hounds, hunt staff, and spectators on the church grounds. Before the hunt sets out, clergy offer prayers for safety, stewardship of the land, gratitude for creation, and blessings upon riders, horses, hounds, and all who participate. The ceremony serves as a reminder of the deep connection between faith, community, and the natural world.
The Blessing of the Hounds is more than a sporting tradition. It is a gathering that reflects the values of Thanksgiving, hospitality, reverence, and fellowship that have long defined Saint James Church. Families return year after year, often across generations, making the event both a reunion and a continuation of shared history.
Over time, the Thanksgiving Day blessing has become a beloved local tradition drawing participants and visitors from throughout the region. Whether attending for the first time or continuing a lifelong custom, guests experience the warmth of a community gathered in gratitude at the beginning of the holiday season.
Today, Saint James Church remains honored to host this annual event and to continue its longstanding connection with The Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club. The Blessing of the Hounds stands as a living tradition — one that celebrates faith, heritage, stewardship of the countryside, and the enduring spirit of Thanksgiving.
Videos by Tom Iglehart for St. James
