Some of the current 2022 volunteers
Preparation in the early years
Early organizers in the 70s
Al Gouth and Ron Upchurch
What makes Hamilton County a great place to live is its many traditions and a lot of them take place in the fall. One of those traditions is the Jones Memorial United Methodist Church B-B-Q. This year’s event takes place this year on Saturday, Sept. 17.
48 years ago church member Tom Martin had an ideal to do something to help the East Ridge Community. Martin shared his vision with another member Charles Stanberry so they went to see pastor Dr.
W.R. Rollins. The community B-B-Q in the fall was born.
Larry and Gayle Phillips serve as this year’s co – chairpersons; both are involved in missions. Because of COVID officials decided not to have the B-B-Q the last two years but now feel it’s safe to go ahead with the fall event. The couple is very excited about raising enough money to purchase winter coats for the East Ridge children in elementary and middle schools.
Mrs. Phillips said the church will miss one of the B-B-Q founders Eddie Kemper who recently passed away. “He was a hard worker who we depended on; Eddie was always here.” Mrs. Phillips said everyone was in agreement it’s appropriate to dedicate the event in Mr. Kemper’s honor.
Mrs. Phillips said they would have a hard time having the B-B-Q without one of the other organizers Walt Hodges. She said he recently took 200 tickets to sell and is very enthusiastic about the B-B-Q returning.
Mrs. Phillips said the East Ridge High School Pioneers Football Team will also be assisting. “It’s wonderful to see the community coming together for such a worthwhile cause.”
In the early days the B-B-Q was held at the East Ridge Town Hall but the event was moved to the spacious church gymnasium on the church campus at 4131 Ringgold Road. Mr. Stanberry said a lot of friends choose to enjoy their B-B-Q in the gym turned into a large dining room while others get take out.
Mr. Stanberry said in the beginning there were a lot of challenges but the men of the church got involved and they were able to raise enough money primarily for children needs in the elementary schools. Stanberry said a lot of the ladies and youth assist with desserts and clean up and it became an annual event.
Another volunteer is Ann Chumley who enjoys serving others. Ms. Chumley said “in the early days the men had a tendency to make the sauce a little warm; the ladies had to teach them how to tame it down; it’s perfect now.”
The Phillips said, “Jones Memorial hopes to raise enough money to purchase about 150 new coats; it’s our Christian responsibility to make sure no child goes to school cold.” Three years ago the event raised about $6,000 dollars.
Youth of the church and boy scouts will be canvasing East Ridge merchants selling advance tickets. Pork, beef and chicken plates are $10.00 and sandwiches are $8.00. The B-B-Q is also available in bulk for $12.00 a pound and there will be plenty of soft drinks.
The Phillips said, “It’s very exciting to see the entire church get involved from selling tickets, serving, making desserts, and clean up; we invite everyone to come and enjoy the day with us at Jones Memorial. Serving takes place from 10:00 to 4:00.”
Mr. Stanberry said many friends purchase B-B-Q for their tail gate parties, some serve it during halftime. Laughing, Stanberry said, “We had to make sure the B-B-Q didn’t conflict with the Tennessee Alabama football game.”
Rev. Natalie Smart is pastor of the Jones Memorial United Methodist in East Ridge and invites everyone to come and enjoy the B-B-Q and Christian Fellowship.