Martha Jo Mims always knows where she will be the Tuesday night before Thanksgiving — with friends and neighbors, giving thanks. Mims is one of the many who will come together Nov. 25 for the annual Union Thanksgiving Service in Caledonia.
“This is our 46th year for this event,” said Mims. “It is special because it unites different faiths and belief systems and unites our community racially.”
Currently there are 25 churches in the Caledonia area, Mims noted. Depending on size, many rotate as host church for the yearly observance. New Salem Baptist Church is host for the 2014 service that begins at 7 p.m.
It’s possible the community gathering dates back even earlier, Mims said, but documents that include minutes of planning meetings confirm the tradition began at least 45 years ago.
Kay Vaughn is a member of New Salem and works with the Golden Triangle Baptist Association in Columbus. Her grandparents, parents and her husband’s family all have roots in the Caledonia area.
“As long as I can remember we’ve had a Caledonia community Thanksgiving service. New Salem is delighted to host it,” she said. As a member of the planning committee she contributed to helping coordinate the service and the ministers who will take part.
A community choir comes together for a single rehearsal at 6:15 p.m. Nov. 25.
“We welcome those from all our different churches to be a part of that,” said Vaughn. She encouraged the public to attend the service, noting that the Caledonia community stretches far and wide, with family and friends in all parts of the county.
Mims remarked, “It’s a special part of my Thanksgiving tradition. We’re blessed that we had church leaders long ago who envisioned bringing our community together beyond the ballpark and the downtown parades. It’s a rich experience.”
Vaughn added, ” … You get to visit with those you don’t normally see on a daily basis, catch up on how children and grandchildren are doing. We are reminded of how wonderful God is and how he has blessed each of us to be together. We are delighted to share it.”
A Union Thanksgiving Offering taken Tuesday will be used for identified needs in the Caledonia area. Canned food items and nonperishables will also be collected for the Helping Hands food pantry.
New Salem Church is located at 7086 Wolfe Road.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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