Bazaar planned Nov. 12
By Melinda L. Lucas
Members of Matthews Memorial Presbyrerian Church resume one of Albany’s longest-running traditions with their annual bazaar.
This year’s event is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12 in the MMPC Educational Building.
The bazaar, which is organized by the church’s Sallie Matthews Circle, has been held almost annually for more than a century, with very few exceptions. The most recent interruption was in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“The Sallie Matthews Circle is a group within the church, still called a ‘circle’ like it was decades ago,” coordinator Kalico Leech said. “We’ve been hosting the bazaar for over 100 years, but everyone in the church helps out by donating food and serving on various committees.”
Depending on weather conditions, the Country Store will be set up outside in the fron of the education building, along with pickup for the take-out meals.
Organizers tried the outdoor set-up last year so visitors didn’t have to come into the building if they preferred not to, and since they felt the experiment was a success, they will do it again this year.
Church secretary Sandy Ingalls said the Country Store will offer homemade gift items, home-canned items and baked goods, as well as some frozen casseroles.
There will not be a silent auction this year, Ingalls said.
The bazaar raises money to provide assistance to those in need within the community.
“Anyone with a need who comes to us or is brought to our attention, we’d really like to help,” said Kalico Leech, one of the organizers. “Especially during the holiday season, we like to provide assistance for those who’ve had a hard year or a medical issue.”
She added that the program has provided medical or dental care, clothing, and Christmas gifts for children.
“We have a few charities that we support,” she said. “but we keep 95 percent of the funding local where we can help people in Shackelford County.”
Serving of the traditional turkey and dressing meal starts at 11:00 a.m. in the MMPC fellowship hall.
The old-fashioned dinner, with some recipes that have not changed for decades, is prepared by church members. The menu includes turkey, dressing, giblet gravy, sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry relish, and assorted homemade pies.
Cost of the meal is again $10 for adults and $5 for children under 10. Takeout dinners will also be $10.
