Cumberland Presbyterian hosts annual breakfast

[October 31, 2011]  Members of the Lincoln Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 110 Broadway, arrived before the sun was up on Saturday morning to prepare the batter and heat the griddles for their annual pancake and sausage breakfast. It wasn't a chore to be there, just part of a commitment the church made several years ago to host the breakfast and make it a good experience for guests and workers.

"Everybody works together and we just get it done," Ron Hubbard said, "Nobody cares who does what. We just come in and have a good time." Hubbard has been a member of the church for 72 years.

The idea of hosting a pancake and sausage breakfast came from a group of men who talked about creating an event they could invite the community to and use for a fundraiser for the church. One of those men was fondly remembered Saturday during conversation about the breakfast's origins.

Claude Cole was one of the organizers for the first pancake and sausage breakfast. He died about 10 years ago, but his personality made a lasting impression on his friends, family and fellow churchgoers. No one who mentioned him or listened to stories failed to smile.

"He was a character," Anita Miller said. "He was a cutup and always made people smile, if not laugh, when he was around. He was outspoken, but always friendly and was never afraid to help out." Cole was Miller's uncle, her father's brother.

The congregation formed committees some time ago, and dividing the work makes projects easier. The fellowship committee was responsible for setting up tables and chairs to transform the church basement into a dining room. Over a dozen volunteers flipped pancakes, cooked sausage and served visitors. Pastor Steve Blaum and others rolled silverware and bused tables as needed.

The church buys sausage from the Atlanta Locker. This year they started with 75 pounds of sausage, sold about 20 pounds in bulk and cooked the remainder for the meal.

Over 220 diners enjoyed the hot pancakes and whole-hog sausage breakfast. And it seemed everyone, as Hubbard had said, had a good time.

[By MARLA BLAIR]