Napoleon church to celebrate 100th Turkey Supper on Sunday

(NAPOLEON, Ind.) – A Napoleon church is celebrating a milestone event this weekend. 

St. John’s Lutheran Church held its first Turkey Supper on Thanksgiving Eve in 1925. 

That first year served as a fundraiser to pay for the new Edifice which was dedicated the prior year.

The cost was just $0.50 per plate and the original event was organized by George Taylor. It later became the responsibility of the Men’s Bible Class. 

“On the Monday morning prior to Thanksgiving, the men and ladies took knives and whatever they needed to Harry Smith's on the east end of town and butchered the turkeys which had been purchased in the community,” said Victor Sarringhaus. 

The annual Turkey Supper continued throughout the years including during the Great Depression and World War II. 

“During the war years, the first Reverand Ivan Ross resigned to join the Navy. At this time, Dr. Harvey Lawrence came and was assisted by his father-in-law, Reverand Elmer Kahl who was ill. The Turkey Supper continued as an annual affair,” Sarringhaus said. 

The responsibilities of the Turkey Supper changed at times, from the Fellowship Class of Young Adults to the Church Council organizing it.

However, it has continued to be an annual tradition and will now mark its 100th year on Sunday, November 23. 

Community members are encouraged to attend the worship service at 10 a.m. and the Turkey Supper will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

“The money raised has been used to help to support church projects such as Bible School, church insurance, and other improvements, such as our kitchen and education building addition,” Sarringhaus added