Church honors its longtime members with spring luncheon

    The Presque Isle Congregational Church recently held a special luncheon to honor longtime members who have faithfully served their church in many ways.    A total of 17 members 80 years and older were invited to the event, which featured a homemade meal and musical entertainment.
Serving as junior hostess was Lucy Griffiths, 8, who greeted everyone and circulated the guest book.
Among those attending was Marilynn Bonenfant, whose grandfather, Edwin E. Parkhurst, was a founding member of the Presque Isle Congregational Church, which will celebrate its 150th anniversary this fall.
Prior to the meal, members of the choir sang “Gentle Shepherd” as the blessing, accompanied by Barbara Merryman on piano.
The luncheon featured salad, homemade fish chowder and cornbread, and dessert of cream puffs with custard filling. The chowder was made by Paul and Darlene Higgins, with the rest prepared and served by Darlene and assisted by Jane Bonenfant, Sue Barrett, Maureen Hamilton and Sue Pinette.
A musical program followed, which featured flautist Stephanie Winslow performing a solo.
Next, the church’s bell ringers offered four musical selections. Roberta Griffiths, director, explained the Handbelle Choir was named after Belle Williams (hence the spelling), a member of the church when the bells were first bought. The multi-octave set was formally dedicated to Williams and rung, with her present, on her 100th birthday.
Though the last luncheon was held a few years ago, the church would like to make it at least an annual event, Griffiths added.