The Presbyterians are producing their famous recipe of Irish stew and will be serving it with homemade pie from 4:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 14.
That date will mark the annual Irish Stew sponsored by the Great Bend First Presbyterian Church Men’s Club. It began 50 years ago and continues today to be the Men’s Club’s major fundraiser, with the proceeds going to various charitable church projects.
The Wednesday before, bright and early, knives in hand, the men will be chopping and cutting over 100 pounds each of the highest quality vegetables and meat that will fill the 24 roasters.  Add the secret spice packets, stir each roaster at 30-minute intervals and you have one of the best Irish stews which will serve over 500 lucky patrons.
Now while all the men are preparing the stew, let’s not forget the women of the church who are making pies and cakes which is included with the meal. Boy Scout Troop No. 157 will be seating and clearing off the tables and anything else asked of them. They say it takes a village to make something happen, but in our case it also takes a congregation of volunteers to make this fundraiser such a success.
Every year, folks report “lickin’ their chops” for days after this feast.
If you have not purchased your tickets, contact the church by calling 620-792-2594, or they can be purchased at the door. Tickets are $6, and pre-kindergartners eat free.
The meal will be served in the church’s Fellowship Hall. Carry-out will be available.  The Great Bend First Presbyterian Church is located at 24th and Washington.

Submitted by First Presbyterian Church, 2400 Washington St., Great Bend, and its Men’s Club.