![The Rev. Jack Davis, pastor of Tabernacle United Methodist Church, dressed appropriately for the church’s annual Colonial Dinner, one of its major fundraising events that brings congregants together with the wider community at the historic church along Sandbridge Road in the Sigma area. Here, the pastor speaks with Stan Thurston of Atlantic Shores during the dinner on Saturday, Nov. 14. [John-Henry Doucette/The Princess Anne Independent News]](https://i0.wp.com/princessanneindy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Colonial-1.jpg?ssl=1)
SIGMA — When there is a tricorn on the hat rack, its a safe bet the gathering will be a lively one.
Hundreds of people gathered at Tabernacle United Methodist Church last month for the annual Colonial Dinner. It is one of the church’s main fundraising events, along with the Lotus Festival lunch.
Sandbridge’s Donna Russell, who coordinated the dinner, said the event has been a tradition for 38 years. Congregation members take their food seriously, too.
“We had a cornbread cookoff two years ago,” Russell said. The reason? They needed a cornbread that stayed moist throughout the duration of the gathering. In addition, a select “small group” does the collards.
“This was started as a fundraiser when we needed to renovate the church,” said Sue Foy of Back Bay. “We’ve continued it since.”
The Rev. Jack Davis said proceeds are still used to maintain the historic church and associated buildings, as well as other projects.
The event also brings people from around the community together, in addition to members of the church themselves.
![Above, Emery Moore, 13, of Ocean Lakes, and Caroline Willett, 18, of Lago Mar perform during the Colonial Dinner with Eliza Willett, 13, not pictured. [John-Henry Doucette/The Princess Anne Independent News]](https://i0.wp.com/princessanneindy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Colonial-1-2.jpg?ssl=1)
![At right, Mike Garcia, a member of the church from Foxfire, smiles while he waits to help clean up after the dinner — and a young attendee wearing a tricorn zips past. [John-Henry Doucette/The Princess Anne Independent News]](https://i0.wp.com/princessanneindy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Colonial-1-1.jpg?ssl=1)
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