MMPC Bazaar scheduled Saturday
By Melinda L. Lucas
In Albany, mention of the “Bazaar” means the holidays are almost here, and this weekend, members of the Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church will once again host the annual event.
The Presbyterian Bazaar has a storied history originating in 1900, missing fewer than a handful of years due to wars and pandemics.
The longtime tradition unofficially marks the beginning of the holiday season in Albany.
The doors will open at 10:00 a.m. to the Country Store, with the turkey and dressing lunch starting at 11:00 a.m.
Country Store
For the second year, weather permitting, the Country Store will be set up outdoors just south of the entrance to the Education Building.
“The forecast is calling for some cold temperatures this weekend, so we may have to move inside,” said church secretary Sandy Ingalls. “It worked well out front last year, so we are hoping to do that again.”
The Country Store will include the Bazaar’s popular baked goods, along with casseroles and soups for the freezer, cheesecakes, local honey, and Christmas crafts.
Silent Auction
A silent auction will also be conducted during the Bazaar. Offered for sale to the highest bidder will be a handmade cutting board with deer antler handles made by a local artisan.
The silent auction proceeds will go into the Circle’s fund.
Traditional Meal
The highlight of the Bazaar is the traditional holiday luncheon that will be served beginning at 11:00 a.m. The old-fashioned turkey dinner, complete with all the trimmings, is prepared by church members.
The lunch menu includes turkey, dressing, giblet gravy, sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry relish, and assorted homemade pies.
Cost of the meal is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 10. Takeout dinners will be $10.
The takeout orders can be picked up out front, said Ingalls.
Bazaar Proceeds
Proceeds from the Bazaar are used for charity and mission projects, mostly local. While almost the entire church family is called into service to pull off the event, it is organized by a ladies group at the church known as the Sallie Matthews Circle.
“We want to help anyone with a need who comes to us or is brought to our attention,” said event coordinator Kalico Leech. “Especially during the holiday season, we want to provide assistance for those who’ve had a difficult year or a medical issue.”
She said the program has provided medical or dental care in the past, along with clothing and Christmas gifts for children.
“We have a few charities that we support, but the majority of funding stays right here at home helping the people of our community and county,” Leech said.
Bazaar History
The Presbyterian Bazaar began in 1900 and was first held in the back of a local pharmacy. Until the church’s educational building was constructed, the dinner was held in various empty buildings in Albany.
First held in the building that now houses Sanders Drug Store, other locations utilized for the annual fundraiser have included the Western Skies Hotel, located where the Bank Park is now, the Courthouse, the Hartfield building (Momentum), and the Whitney Theatre.
The event has apparently always been well supported by Albany residents, and the large attendance each year meant that an equally large dining hall had to be obtained, so the location changed frequently, depending on what building was available.
There wasn’t a turkey dinner the first year, but members sold sandwiches, coffee, and hot chocolate while shoppers browsed through handmade baby clothes, aprons, and pillows, among other things, including items donated by merchants in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Waco.
According to MMPC elder and historian, the late Irene Wylie, the 1926 Bazaar had blankets hung from lines to partition the improvised kitchen from the dining area.
The kitchen featured washtubs filled with dressing that sat on the floor near two cook stoves installed for the event, while the dining area had long, rough plank tables covered with spotless white cloths.
Take-out orders can be called in at 325-762-2038.
