Rain for the annual Salem UCC ice cream social

It was a much appreciated rain which made the weather good on Saturday, Aug. 25, for the annual ice cream social of the Salem United Church of Christ.

The Salem Ice Cream Social consists of entertainment, food, cake and ice cream. It has been the big community event and major social event of the Salem congregation for many years. It is also the only real fund-raising event of the church.

photo

Allie Phillips and Amy Thompson

The California Community Ensemble, directed by Phil Lewis, started early as a few rain sprinkles fell.

The national anthem began the performance, followed by several other pieces. because of the need to keep instruments and the sound system relatively dry, the performance ended sooner than planned. Since it was because of really rare rain in recent months, many appeared to enjoy the rain. Some let the rain fall on them while others sought shelter and still others broke out umbrellas.

photo

Emese Boone and Sarah Starnes

According to church members, the funds generated from sales of food, the bazaar (which moved inside), cakewalk and other activities go into the Sunday School Fund. The fund is used to provide gifts, food and donations of various kinds to be used where the members believe they are needed the most.

The present ice cream social is believed to have started more than 40 years ago to raise money for carpeting part of the sanctuary. The event has has continued to the present day.

Although no attendance count has been taken, several hundred people attend each year, with a larger crowd nearly every year. This year the crowd may have been a little less than usual, but the rain made it it a happy crowd.

The congregation dates back to 1848 when it started as the German Salem Evangelical Church. The original log building still stands although a "new" church built in 1858 serves the congregation.