Even though she’s been gone for 32 years, state Rep. Vernon Smith’s mother still guides his spirit during the holidays.
On Friday, Smith and a group of volunteers prepared the New Hope Church to welcome more than 100 hungry guests for the annual Harvest Feast, a free Thanksgiving meal and short church service.
Performers included the West Side Theatre Guild Repertoire Dance Co., the West Side Drama Club, Wings of Harmony and praise singers Nathan Mason and Stephan Henderson.
Reservations weren’t required so Smith estimated the guests based on past years, but he also wondered if attendance might increase because of the sagging economy and higher grocery costs.
“A head of lettuce was $3.49,” said Smith, who buys much of the food. “I’m grateful people gave me money. It costs $200 or more just for the fruit.”
An array of seasonal fall fruit and vegetables adorned the altar, including pumpkins, squash, pineapples, and pomegranates.
Retired Gary educators Jacqueline Bowman-Beckwith and Leslie Green washed the fruit earlier in the day. Adhering to his mother Rev. Julia Smith’s tradition, each piece was blessed as an offering to God.
For decades, Smith has tirelessly led an army of volunteers who cook, set tables, and clean up after the feast.
“When God gives you a task to do, he gives you all the resources. He puts the people in place,” said Smith who joined New Hope Church 20 years ago.
The menu included roast turkey, fried chicken and baked chicken, candied yams, black eyed peas, greens, cabbage, cornbread, spaghetti and lots of pastries.
Smith, one of 10 children, made the corn pudding himself and had to run back to the store when he ran out of sugar.
The Harvest Feast has continued in memory of his mother and aunt Magnolia Allen, although Smith said the work takes a toll.
“I dread it when it gets close to Thanksgiving and Christmas, but this meant so much to my mother and I didn’t want it to die.”
Smith also organizes the Spirit of Christmas Dinner in December.
“I really believe I have a calling for service,” said Smith who’s been an elected official for 53 years, including 35 years as a member of the House.
“I feel like I owe this community a debt and I can never pay it off,” he said.
Smith quotes a favorite passage from Matthew: … “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Bowman-Beckwith, a retired special education teacher and principal in Gary, said it’s her second year helping out.
Green invited Bowman-Beckwith because they both share a connection to Smith who was an administrator and part-time college instructor, when they started their teaching careers.
“He was my first principal,” said Green. “And I noticed how interested and committed he was to the community.”
Bowman-Beckwith said Smith was her instructor when she got her degree from Purdue University Calumet, now Purdue Northwest.
“It’s just giving back. We’ve been blessed and this is for people less fortunate. Whenever he calls, I’m here,” she said.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
