First Presbyterian Church receives Peacemaking Award
First Presbyterian Church of Masontown recently received the Andrew E. Murray Peacemaking Award, given by the Peacemaking Ministries of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The award, given in memory of one of its past leaders, acknowledges a peacemaking endeavor by an affiliated church.
First Presbyterian received the honor at a recent meeting of the Redstone Presbytery in Lower Burrell for its work and success in establishing a soup kitchen in the local community.
Given in recognition of leadership in the search for peace and faithfulness in exhibiting the love and justice of Jesus Christ, the presentation was made to Kathy West and Frank Martin, members of First Presbyterian.
The soup kitchen was started in February 2006 and named the Masontown Community Kitchen.
The mission embodies the spirit of furthering peace efforts by not only feeding its patrons but also through the unity it has promoted in the combined coordinated labors of the different denomination churches in the Masontown area whose dedicated volunteers operate the bi-weekly kitchen.
Conceptually started as the town’s only soup kitchen, organizers soon realized that not only physical bodies were being nourished but that the event was also providing social and spiritual fellowship to those attending the meals.
Widows, widowers, young and old are regularly seen at the suppers that range from soup and sandwiches to full-course dinners.
The mid-November meal served 362 turkey dinners with all the trimmings to the eager and appreciative patrons.
Freewill donations practically cover all the expenses of the kitchen and donations of groceries, cooking implements, tables, pots, roasters and even contributions to air condition the dining hall have been gratefully received.
The enthusiasm and involvement by the local townspeople is overwhelming to West and Martin, who are on the kitchen’s operations board and members of the First Presbyterian Church.
As they have seen the numbers increase with each function, it sometimes is a challenge to seat everyone but never is there a shortage of help or food.
The congregation of the Masontown church has steadily been shrinking due to the aging of its members.
“We are blessed by having a well-built and maintained building but realizing our inability to undertake any missions that would require physical number, we looked to the surrounding churches for their involvement,’ stated Martin.
The Rev. James Giesey, First Presbyterian’s former and now retired pastor, approached the Klondike Clergy Association and found energetic support.
An advisory board was formed from all of the represented churches and continues to oversee and provide volunteers who work the soup kitchen and donate funds and for special occasions food for the meals. Food supplies have also been donated by several local civic clubs and construction companies. A bakery weekly donates bread and rolls and surplus goods are received from the area’s food bank.
West observed, “This mission would not be possible for our small church if not for the very generous people, clubs and businesses who have contributed so much to support and operate the Masontown Community Kitchen.
“God is certainly present in our church and in the hearts of our town folk. It is truly amazing to witness first-hand the miracle of peace and love at work. We are very proud to accept and receive the Presbytery’s peace-making award.’