By Alex Paul
For The New Era
An April 16 spaghetti feed in the fellowship hall at St. Helen Catholic Church – and sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 8624, the church’s Women’s Club and the American Heritage Girls – raised more than $3,200 to rebuild Fir Lawn Lutheran Church.
An early-morning fire Saturday, Feb. 25, devastated much of the 70-year-old building, destroying its foyer and significantly damaging its sanctuary. Its parishioners have held subsequent services at the Sweet Home Methodist Church.
Between 175 and 200 dinners were served on Divine Mercy Sunday, a day of forgiveness and mercy for Catholics.
Kathy Ives and Gilbert Bures cooked 20 pounds of spaghetti, filling a five-gallon bucket. Knights of Columbus Council 8624 Grand Knight Alex Paul precooked and seasoned 23 pounds of hamburger and Italian sausage, which were simmered into six gallons of spaghetti sauce.
Dinner included a fresh garden salad served by Leo Fernandez, Damian Aranda and Leo Singler, buttery garlic Texas toast grilled by Kyle Sullens and tables filled with desserts prepared by the Women’s Club. The American Heritage Girls served sodas and cleared tables.
“We could not have been happier,” Paul said. “Since we didn’t sell tickets, we really didn’t know whether we would have 25 people or 250 people show up. The church hall was full and there was terrific fellowship among members of St. Helen’s, the Methodist Church and Fir Lawn Lutheran. People were extremely generous and we had several donations from people who could not attend, but wanted to help. We are sure the donation will be put to good use.”
And, Paul added, “We didn’t run out of food, which was a blessing.”