Out of the Ashes, a Tradition is Born

The Oxford Presbyterian Church Apple Festival was started in 1989 as a means to earn money to rebuild the church after a fire. Seventeen years later, the cause has changed, but the Festival continues as strong as ever. This year's event will benefit the Habitat for Humanity of Chester County's Women Build 2006 project.

Oxford, PA (PRWEB) September 16, 2006 -- The Oxford Presbyterian Church in Oxford, Pennsylvania, has strong roots dating back over 250 years. It was this deep sense of community that gave birth to what would become much more than a fundraising event, but a beloved tradition--born out of the ashes of a terrible tragedy.

The congregation and the entire community will never forget Memorial Day weekend, 1989. It was between 9:00 and 9:30 on Sunday evening when the fire broke. With more than 100 fire fighters from 15 departments from Chester County, Lancaster County and Maryland responding, they all gave thanks that the building was empty. Not only the church congregation, but more than 20 community groups were left without a home.

It was a rainy day in 1989, one that matched the feeling of helplessness felt by many struggling to figure out what to do to raise money. It was then that the idea of the Apple Festival blossomed, themed to the fruit of the season. An enthusiastic committee met at the Oxford Library planning this first Apple Festival. Thousands were in attendance in spite of the forecasted rain. When Rev. Ted Atkinson said the opening prayer, the sun burst out and it was the most gorgeous day imaginable.

Although the event has supported many different causes over the years, the heart of the Festival has remained the same. This is a day of fellowship and family fun, of strengthening not only the congregation but the community as well. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, September 30, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in Oxford Memorial Park. Live entertainment will be provided all day, free of charge, with featured performers including Brett Rush, Spiritual Lights, and the Upper Chesapeake Community Band. The Princess of DUTCH WONDERLAND will be present, as will over 50 local craftspeople. Games, face painting, contests and hayrides are among the activities for children. Apple butter will be made on site, and guest may compete in pie eating and baking contests. There will also be a Silent Auction with goods and services from local merchants and community members. In the event of inclement weather, organizers will move the Festival to Oxford Presbyterian Church.

The proceeds from this, the 17th Festival, will benefit the Habit for Humanity of Chester County’s Women Build. The Women Build project started in 1991, and officially became a part of Habitat for Humanity in 1998. Since 1991, female volunteers have built over 800 Habitat houses in the United States. A representative from Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build will be on site at the Apple Festival to answer any questions about the project and to accept volunteers.

The Oxford Presbyterian Church is located at 6 Pine Street in Oxford, Pennsylvania. For more information, please call the church office at 610-932-9640.

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