Maya McFadden Photo
“It’s not home but it’s special,” said Alton Johnson who attended and performed at the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church for its annual State of South Carolina Gospel Brunch Fundraiser.
The Saturday brunch, which celebrated the extensive South Carolina roots in Bethel’s congregation (and in New Haven), was organized by about 10 church members.
The morning began with a group prayer by church member Louester Hunt.
Along with the delectable Southern cuisine, organizer Annie Haynes brought a dish of boiled peanuts straight from her home state, South Carolina, placed near the entrance doors for guests to get a taste of home.
The event aimed to bring people from many different backgrounds together to see their similarities. Though not everyone in attendance was raised in the South, the guests bonded through their knowledge of their families Southern roots.
Della Smith, 13, came to the brunch with her aunt. Smith was raised in New Haven but has family from South Carolina. “We’re celebrating all the years that we have found our places,” she said.
The brunch buffet ranged from baked ham, potato salad, smoked sausage, macaroni salad, baked macaroni and cheese, to fried chicken, scrambled eggs, toast, and dessert pastries.
“We’re doing things the Southern way, filling your stomach with good food and hearts with good gospel,” said Hunt.
The event wasn’t strictly for church members hailing from South Carolina. Johnson (at right in above picture), a regular musician for the church, hails from North Carolina. He is a part of the Church’s men’s choir and a pianist. For Johnson, the event brought back some nostalgic memories of his upbringing. “A lot of this food I haven’t had in years,” he said.
In southern tradition, food and music brought the guest and their families closer together. “A day like this feeds the southern soul,” said Haynes.
Members of the Church paid $15 each for a hole-punched ticket for the all-you-can-eat three-hour buffet. The event aimed to “spiritually and financially” support the church, said Haynes.
Bethel Pastor Rev. Steven Cousin Jr. joined Haynes (pictured above) during the event.
Performer Jessica Cain sang two songs during the fundraiser. Cain, originally from Memphis, was invited to the event by Haynes after she had performed at previous church services. After her performance at the event, Haynes thanked her with watering eyes and a hug.
Although most of the guest were South Carolinians, Cain said she felt comforted by the celebration of her Southern ancestry. When the serving of the food was announced Cain sat back patiently to first let the older folks eat, in respect to her southern culture. “It kind of feels like home,” she said.
Haynes hails from Hollywood, South Carolina. She moved to Connecticut for a teaching position as a young adult soon after her college graduation. She retired from teaching in 2013 after 44 years at North Haven High School.
It was important to Haynes to shed light on the history of African Americans migrating here from the South. The reasons to migrate varied for each individual, Haynes said; the support for each other is what matters most. She enjoyed seeing her “family” come together on Saturday to support one another’s triumphs.
Haynes tries to visit South Carolina at least once a year. “When you have that Southern upbringing it stays with you where ever you go,” she said.
A board was displayed at the event sharing facts about the state of South Carolina (aka as the “Palmetto State”) and some of the well-known African Americans from the state. Brochures were also placed at each seat, sharing information like the state capital (Columbia), bird (Carolina wren), and flower (yellow jessamine).
“South Carolina is a lot like New York. We love to eat,” said Haynes.
Organizer Ernestine Wilson (above left) and her sister took turns serving the food along with the other organizers. Wilson, also a South Carolinian, came to Connecticut while young seeking job opportunities.
Cain’s first song, an a capella performance of “My God Is So High,” left guest in both tears and cheers. Check it out below.
