Coffee Hour!

by Mike Roberts, Church Historian

For all the wonderful volunteers who keep our kitchen operational for church services, potlucks and special occasions, below are the instructions that were posted on the wall of the kitchen in times long past. These directions were in a large picture frame and it is believed they come from the Essex Street church but may have come from Salem Acres. Perhaps one of our long-time members could shed light on this question. Nonetheless, here are the directions offered to the kitchen volunteers of years past.

BEFORE CHURCH SERVICES

Turn on hot water tank located in furnace room.

IN KITCHEN

Turn stove burners you will use to “High”.

Fill the two large kettles half full of fresh water. (For coffee)

Fill the tea kettle: Heat to boiling then turn off. (For tea)

Use 3/4 lb. Coffee for full capacity of Drip Coffee pot.

Prepare two tea pots with 2 bags of tea in each but do not brew until just before Coffee Hour commences.

When water in two large kettles is boiling, plug in Drip Pot, fill and turn indicator on pot to “High”. After all water has dripped through, turn indicator to “Low” and allow to remain so before and during “Coffee Hour”.

When leaving kitchen, be sure all top burners on stove are turned off.

JUST BEFORE COFFEE HOUR

Reheat water in tea kettle to boiling and brew tea.

Set out rolls, cream and sugar and milk for drinking.

AFTER COFFEE HOUR

Turn off hot water tank in furnace room.

Turn off all stove burners. If using oven, be sure to turn off.

Unplug drip coffee pot from wall outlet. THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.

Dispose of all refuse to prevent pest infestation.

Arrange to have dish towels laundered.

SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR COFFEE HOUR

12 dozen rolls and donuts
1 pint of Half and Half
1/2 gallon of milk

Coffee and tea (in small refrigerator)

48 cups, small plates, napkins and teaspoons

3 cans of juice for children

LOCATION OF SUPPLIES

The two large kettles, teapots, and large bake pans (for heating rolls) are in kitchen closet next to small refrigerator.

Cups, small plates and napkins are in blue cabinet in furnace room. Be sure to check cups for leaks.

Large yellow plates for rolls and plastic tablecloths are in bar closet on right of bar sink.

Flat silver, sugar containers and cream pitchers are in bar closet on right of bar sink.

Dish towels in small kitchen cabinet left of stove. China and glass serving pieces in bottom of small kitchen cabinet.

Receptacle and sign for Coffee Hour Donations is on top of blue cabinet.

If you wish to heat rolls before Coffee Hour turn right oven to 150 degrees. Use the large bake pans mentioned above and place rolls in oven where they will remain with heat on until they are served.

If you wish to use silver service, please contact Frances Carpenter.