|
Pastor Jack (in white) says a prayer before the Thanksgiving dinner offered to over 300 community members at the United Palace Cathedral in Washington Heights.
Story and photos by Sherry Mazzocchi
Video by Sherry Mazzocchi
For the first time in 44 years, the United Palace Cathedral (UPC) flung open its iron gates and invited the Washington Heights community in for a Thanksgiving Day feast.
The newly installed Pastor Jack L. Bomar said the example his mother set was at the heart of the decision to open the church doors. His mother cooked for nine children, the extended family and other people in the community.
“It was a part of what I was accustomed to growing up,” he said. “A church that doesn’t do it will have to do it while I’m here.”
Big Sunday meals of ham, roasts or pork chops were delivered to people who were elderly or in need. Pastor Jack models that approach to his own community ministry.
The community responded by coming in and chowing down. In just hours, UPC served more than 300 hundred dinners on Thurs., Nov. 24th. They also invited the outdoor vendors at La Plaza de Las Americas in for a meal.
“It’s very nice,” said Evelyn Lopez, who sells clothing and other items at 175th St. and Broadway. “It’s a free meal and a lovely meal.”
Georgie Girl was thankful for dinner, too. She usually spends days at the McDonald’s on 181st St. or at the Port Authority Bus Station. “I can’t cook at my house,” she said. “The landlord is threatening to throw me out.”
Sergia, who was dining with friends, told several people about the dinner. She said she felt undocumented people would be welcome to eat here and feel safe.
“How awesome it is to have it in my neighborhood,” said Vivian, another Washington Heights resident.
She was near tears, saying many people in the area don’t have families, friends or even food to eat. “It really is a blessing that we have some people that care about other people,” she said.
The dinner is an emotional experience because people are worried about having enough to eat, said Sabrina Cruz, a UPC Spanish-language translator. And a dinner of this magnitude hasn’t been offered in this neighborhood for a long time, she said.
“It’s a wonderful moment. It’s the most beautiful thing that could be happening right now,” she said.
Minister Danielle James planned the menu to reflect the neighborhood.
Nearly 40 volunteers served up traditional turkey, candied yams and sweet potato pie. But there was a nod to Latin Caribbean cuisine too, with offerings of roast chicken, plantains and rice and beans.
Area restaurants Malecon, El Conde Steakhouse and Floridita as well as Bravo Supermarket and Curewell Pharmacy also donated food, time and energy.
On a holiday where millions of turkeys are sacrificed for the greater good of humanity, Pastor Jack, a vegetarian, abstained from eating poultry.
“I’m mindful that most of our members aren’t vegetarian. I try not to cast judgment,” he said. “I choose to lead by example.”
For Minister James, the feast for the community was but a sign of all that is to come for UPC and the community.
“Everyone and anyone is welcome here,” she said.
To hear from those enjoying and serving the Thanksgiving feast at United Palace Cathedral, including a photo of a 1973 pin-up “Girl,” please visit http://bit.ly/MT022.
|
