Here is the invocation that Pastor Kim offered at the dedication of the Camp Michaux  Historical  Marker.  The walking tour can be downloaded at http://www.historicalsociety.com/michauxwalkingtour.pdf

Invocation:  Dedication of the Camp Michaux State Historical Marker on July 16, 2011

given by Rev. Dr. Kim Blocher

 Gracious God,

We give you thanks for good work to do in this world.  As we gather here we are mindful of all the shoulders on which we stand.  Many decades before, teams of young men labored to restore this area from the ravages of deforestation.  And many years before that people of vision recognized the need to protect and preserve these precious acres.  We stand where Andre Michaux stood, some 200 years ago, as he marveled at the biologically diverse beauty of this South  Mountain.  We pray that his spirit, his genius for discovering natural treasures, is with us today.

We marvel at the human history that unfolded at this very site.  From the CCC workers, to all who passed through the gates of the POW camp, to generations of church campers—this sacred land bears witness to their stories.  Those stories now mingle with the land, as intertwined and closely woven as a spider web.  We honor and lift up each life that has shaped this fascinating history.

Thank you, God, for all those who in recent years saw the need to interpret this history in a way that preserves these stories.  Give us your presence as we dedicate this site to the common good, with gratitude for the opportunity to play a part in such important work.  May you continue to bless this land, the lives of all who live in the shadow of South Mountain, and the lives of the generations who will follow us in this work.

Amen