Religion News Service photos elicit warm Thanksgiving memories
by McKenna Britton, Presbyterian Historical Society | Special to Presbyterian News Service

Hands of Christ Day at Divine Word Seminary, Illinois, 1964. A central table holds some of the food gifts which each participant brought for the Agape. [Pearl ID: islandora:356564].
November — a month of golds and reds and browns; of crisp autumn winds; of gathering in front of fires and feasts to share long, delicious moments with loved ones. A month of harvest, of reaping the benefits of hard work. This November, the Presbyterian Historical Society is sharing images from the Religious News Service Photograph collection that spotlight the importance of moments and meals shared.

First Family’s dinner, 1964. [Pearl ID: islandora:352994].

Life in a Capuchin monastary, 1945. [Pearl ID: islandora359810].
One image shows Brother Emanuel, the monastery’s cook, inspecting the spaghetti for a midday meal which includes steak, peas, cabbage, bread, milk and fruit. The caption shares that, “Although they eat well, the students’ fare is simple.”

A day in the life of a priest, 1946. [Pearl ID: islandora:357355].
The aftermath of World War II saw many children orphaned and homeless. This was but one of many results and consequences of the war — and it was being tackled head-on by various religious groups in Germany. Assisted by occupation authorities, groups like the Motherhouse for Deaconesses in Frankfurt began to undertake the work of caring for the “needy youngsters.” This photo, snapped in 1946, shows a group of children gathered around a table, ready to chow down on their midday meal.

Churchwomen provide for German orphans, 1946. [Pearl ID: islandora:360549].
The Lutheran General Synod approved an order of deaconesses in 1895. Deaconesses are defined as unmarried women who vow to serve Christ and the Lutheran Church through teaching, spiritual care, and works of mercy.

Family grace, 1946. [Pearl ID: islandora:358978].
“The family above, about to enjoy a bounteous meal,” the caption reads, “takes time out to thank God for His blessings. Saying grace before and after meals is another way to practice ‘religious living.’ Family faith and family devotions add strength and joy to life.”
Do you say grace before each meal?

Presbyterian dinner, June 1952. [Pearl ID: islandora:145623].
John Coventry Smith began his career as a missionary in 1929, when he was appointed to Japan under the Board of Foreign Missions. In 1948, Smith joined the executive staff of the Board as Secretary for the Korean and Japanese mission fields. From 1952 — the year the above feast photograph was taken — Dr. Smith was appointed Associate General Secretary of the Board. Then, when the Board of Foreign Missions was succeeded by the Commission on Ecumenical Mission and Relations (COEMAR), his title morphed into General Secretary. He remained in this position until his retirement in 1970.
Additionally, Dr. Smith served as Moderator of the UPCUSA (1968-69) and as one of the six presidents of the World Council of Churches (1968).
But on a June evening in 1952, John Smith was seated alongside friends and new acquaintances, sharing a bountiful Korean meal.
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Tags: holiday meals, pearl, presbyterian historical society, religious news service
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