First Methodist Church of Bangs will be celebrating their 52^nd Annual Lord’s Acre celebration October 4^th and 5^th.

In 1972, church officials were searching for a way to raise funds for a building addition. Plans were made to hold the one-day event in the school cafetorium. The ladies of the church got busy making crafts such as crocheted afghans, hand-embroidered tablecloths, original paintings, and Christmas decorations. The farmers and ranchers donated calves or a trailer of hay, and businesses were solicited for items to auction. Everyone was expected to contribute 4-5 items for the bake sale. A Saturday evening turkey and dressing dinner with fruit salad and vegetables was culminated by an auction; however, the stars of the auction were the 5-6 hand pieced and hand-quilted quilts. Bidders would battle for some of the beauties which might top out at a price of $1200.

As the years have evolved, so has the First Methodist’s Lord’s Acre. It was moved from the school to the Fellowship Hall and outdoors under tents until it found its way to the church’s activity building. The auction is gone, as is the craft sale.

Now the floors of the building are covered with second-hand items donated through the generosity of the Bangs community and their extended friends and families. “My friend from Midland made the trip to see me and delivered a car full of items,” said church member, Gail Payne. Former church members have even been known to share their children’s outgrown clothing and toys via grandparent transfers at out-of-town baseball games. Friend of friends donate.

“We never know what treasures will show up for our garage sale, “stated Nancy Lowry. “This year we have parts of three estate sales. We have oodles of collectibles in the booth arranged by Jessie Austin Buris and Sharon Rambo. There are some very nice men’s and women’s clothing – and lots of toys and infant and children’s shoes – beside all of the household goods and furniture.”

Everyone in the small congregation has a job, whether it be moving tables and boxes, putting up signage, breaking down boxes, hanging clothing or pricing, manning check-out stations, hawking baked goods, or cleaning up the aftermath.

“Our baked goods go quickly,” said Barbara Findley, whose buttermilk pies are a favorite. Shoppers will find cinnamon rolls, cookies, candy, cakes, and pies for purchase beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Friday.

One thing that has not changed in 52 years is the turkey and dressing meal. As the event nears, plans are being made for the Saturday noon lunch by the kitchen crew with Kay Wadsworth at the helm. Her helpers include Brenda Conner, Sarah Brown, and Gail Payne, and Kristi Owen. There will be traditional turkey and dressing, rolls, gravy, cranberry sauce, green beans, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, and a slice of cake and drink – all for a price of $15.00. “We guarantee no one will go away hungry,” stated Kay.

The funds raised by this effort are used in various ways, supporting missions locally, area-wide, nationally, and internationally. One of the most well-received local missions is the monthly free meal for anyone in the community. Internationally, the church supports various mission efforts in Costa Rica, Bulgaria, and the Philippines. The Reverend Stephen Granadosin is pastor of the church.

Organizers of the event are hoping for a great turnout on Friday, October 4^th and Saturday, October 5^th. Doors are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The turkey and dressing lunch will be served Saturday from 12 noon until 1:30 p.m. Baked goods will be available both days. Bangs First Methodist Church is located at 301 S. First Street.