CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — On Saturday, May 16, the Watoola Methodist Church will hold its 50th annual barbecue from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. and will have live music in honor of the milestone anniversary. Barbecue plates will feature slow cooked pit barbecue chicken or pork, Brunswick stew, cole slaw, bread and dill pickles for a cost of $11. Homemade baked items will also be for sale, as well as pints of Brunswick stew or barbecue meat for $9.
The hearty barbecue plates may be enjoyed in the air-conditioned fellowship hall, or you can take it home. All proceeds will go toward church projects.
The special celebration of the 50th barbecue will include live music by the Cooper Creek Band. They will be playing rock and gospel music on the church grounds from 11 am. until 1 p.m. Tents with seating will be set up for those who are attending to enjoy the music.
Fifty years ago, Bobby Capps, Ellis Jenkis and Doyle Walker came up with the idea for the church to have a barbecue to raise money for maintenance of the church. The first barbecue was cooked over an open pit.
The following year, a barbecue pit was built by Kenneth Capps, which remains in use today after being repaired from damage by the 2019 tornado. Now, 50 years later, the church is honoring these four men who started this event, which brings the church and community together to work and fellowship.
The entire church family works together preparing for this yearly event. Each family uses Gertrude’s Brunswick stew recipe and Billy’s barbecue sauce recipe, which have been favorites for generations. Hardy Watooleans works the barbecue pit through the night with over 650 pounds of fresh Boston butts and 350 halves of fresh chicken. Everyone comes together to make homemade coleslaw and bring in their favorite desserts for the bake sale.
Watoola Methodist Church was established in 1838 on Watoola Creek. In 1905, a church was built on the present site. That church building was destroyed on March 3, 2019, when an EF4 tornado went through Beauregard. With the help of the church family, the local community and donations from all across the country, Watoola was able to rebuild.
The fellowship hall was not damaged, and the church was able to continue having services there until the present sanctuary was opened in November of 2020. The Rev. Keith Badowski is the current minister.
Tickets are currently on sale or can be bought on the day of the barbecue.
Watoola Methodist Church is located at 1370 Lee Road 38, Opelika. From Opelika, go about 13 miles south on Alabama Highway 51 and look for a sign directing you to Lee Road 38. Turn left onto Lee Road 38 and follow this road to the church.
Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the great food and fellowship.
