Video: Columbus Church Hosts 8th Of May Luncheon

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COLUMBUS, Miss.(WCBI)–April showers are indeed bringing May flowers and with it comes the annual May Luncheon and Bake Sale at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Columbus. Led by a church women’s group, its become a tradition that began 150 years ago.

150 volunteers serving 800 or more plates, the annual event has become popular with businesses and medical offices around town. On May 8th, 1865 when the Civil War ended women of this historic church did something very different. Instead of being served, they were the one serving the help.

“Years ago, because it was on May 8th its the Emancipation Proclamation Day. So that is the celebration in our community that we would also like to join and celebrate. And so we have a luncheon here,” said Kelly Brown/Church Women’s President.

“But it has certainly changed its focus from that original focus, to, and it fairly quickly became a way to raise money to share in the community to help those who have needs that we can help fulfill,” said Rev. Anne Harris/St. Paul Episcopal Church Rector.

Whether serving guests who prefer to dine-in or filling take out orders for the lunch break crowd, all proceeds from this May Day initiative is going to a worthy cause.

“Like Loaves & Fishes, and Helping hands, The Good Samaritan Clinic, several area things through here. We help on the state level through the Episcopal Relief & Development Fund. And at different disaster times through our state we help send money there when we know we can’t go physically. We like to raise money to send money,” said Kelly Brown.

Since 1961 this cross worn by Brown has been passed down to every president leading this group of church women, a symbol of sacrificial service to others.

“I came this morning and all that was going on with all of the people who are here today, and this has involved people for not just today, for weeks before and then there is the cleanup after. Its like this well oiled machine that gets going,” said Rev. Anne Harris.

The event funding St. Paul Episcopal Church is now referred to as simply….A Spring Luncheon.