I simply can’t help it. Whenever we drive by a country church, I look for a homecoming shed and wonder if they still use it. Then my mind goes back to my childhood.

Like most kids, I looked forward to certain dates with anticipation: Christmas, birthdays, Field Day at school, and last, but not least, Homecoming at church.

The excitement for me started as soon as I woke up the Sunday morning of Homecoming. We quickly got ready for church and went down to my grandparents’ house. The smell that greeted us at the door was simply heavenly.

My Mamaw Girdle/Myrtle, Mamaw Jo, and my mom worked very hard in the kitchen. Let me see if I can remember all of the dishes they prepared. Of course there were the southern homecoming staples: hand fried chicken, mashes potatoes, creamed corn, peas, deviled eggs, cornbread, rolls, and pecan pie. At times they also took: country fried steak, roast with potatoes and carrots, chicken n’ dumplings, green beans, baked beans, fried okra (my favorite,) cole slaw, potato salad, apple pie, cherry pie, and a chocolate cake.

YUM!

Mamaw Jo had a set of stainless steel canisters that were stackable. We filled each one to the brim with hot food, packed them in the station wagon, and headed to church with our delicious treasures. As soon as the choir began to sing the invitational hymn, we would sneak out to take our food up to the old homecoming shed. It sat on the hill up behind the church.

It was indeed a simple shed. It had a few poles that supported a roof covered by tin. Rows of wooden platforms that served as tables lined the inside of both sides. I don’t remember how long it was exactly, but I could run from one end to the other in a few seconds. Not that I ever did that.

Much like the church pews, each family had their own spot on the wooden platforms. I can still remember the happy chatter as people sat out their dishes. Let me tell you, that was a stupendous smorgasbord of southern food. After church let out, nobody could eat until the preacher said the blessing. I often wondered how many people were thinking about food instead of really listening to the prayer.

I would get adventurous and cruise down the platforms to check out food brought by other people. I have to say, there was nothing that compared to my families’ cooking. It didn’t take long to have my plate full and running over.

My papaw would open the tailgate of his station wagon and lay the back seats down. My friends and I climbed into the back of it. My mom would always to tell me to watch it when I climbed in since I was wearing a dress. You know, it’s not easy doing that when you have a plate full of food in one hand and a drink in another.

Some people brought blankets and sat on them. Others brought chairs.

Looking back, I think the best part of Homecoming was the feel in the air. People weren’t just eating, they were talking, laughing and loving each other while being grateful to the Lord.

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:42 (KJV)

Now a days, most churches have fellowship halls. The most important thing is not where you are, but who you are with. So love and appreciate the Lord and each other. And don’t forget the fried chicken, fried okra, and pecan pie.