The Clarke County Historic Preservation Commission recognized its 2012 historic preservation award winners on Thursday. The Barns of Rose Hill, along with its visionary, Diana Kincannon, both received awards. Holy Cross Abbey and Dorian Sono Luminus recording studios of Boyce were also recognized. The ceremony also included Virginia House of Delegates member Randall Minchew who presented a formal resolution honoring the late David Boyce to Boyce’s family.
Holy Cross Abbey Abbott Father Robert Barnes accepts Stewardship Award from Historic Preservation Commission chairman John Bieschke - Photo Edward Leonard
More than thirty people met at Berryville’s historic Battletown Inn for the annual award ceremony honoring individuals and organizations that have made important contributions to preserving Clarke County’s historical character.
“Today we are here to recognize individuals and entities that have made significant efforts to capture the history and events that have shaped this county,” said Clarke County Historic Preservation Commission chairman John K. Bieschke. “Local government is so key to this kind of effort. We are very fortunate to have a wonderful Board of Supervisors that has supported so many preservation initiatives.”
Holy Cross Abbey and the Trappist community were recognized for their work in preserving the 18th century mansion and preserving the monastery’s historic 1200-acre surroundings.
Historic Preservation Commission member Marty Hiatt presented Holy Cross Abbey’s Abbott Father Robert Barnes with the 2012 Stewardship Award.
“In 1950 the Community of Cistercians of the Strict Observance purchased Cool Spring Farm to establish the monastery,” Hiatt said. “The monastery, which is also the site of the largest Civil War battle in Clarke County, has spent the last sixty-two years maintaining a working farm and preserving its historic resources.”
Hiatt congratulated Barnes on recent environmental initiatives by the monastic community to protect streams running through the property as well protection of the property through a pending open space easement.
“It is a thrill for us to get this award,” Barnes said in receiving the honor. “It’s quite unexpected.”