Cooks find inspiration outside the kitchen

Of the many churches in Beaufort, people driving on Carteret Street can view the Carteret Street United Methodist Church more than any other in the city as they wait to cross the bridge from Port Royal Island to Lady's Island.

Methodism is said to have begun in 1736 when the Wesley brothers, Charles and John, both Anglican priests, crossed the Atlantic Ocean to the new colony of Georgia.

There is no record of John Wesley preaching in Beaufort, but it is recorded that he visited here on three occasions. One of the visits was a walking journey from Charleston when he was accompanied by three friends. While traveling, they were lost in trackless forests, and it took five days for them to reach the Port Royal Island area.

The first Methodist minister to preach in Beaufort was George Whitefield, sent by Wesley from Savannah.

After the Civil War ended, simple union services were held in the Old Arsenal for Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Congregationalists and a few Unitarians. Then a lot was acquired at the southwestcorner of Carteret and North Streets, and an attractive wooden church was erected.

For the first two years, this church was served by Presbyterian and Lutheran clergy, but their support was withdrawn in late 1884. In December 1884, the property was purchased, and support was provided for a Methodist minister. The cornerstone of the present building was laid in August 1922.

The women of Carteret Street United Methodist Church have two cookbooks to their credit. When Jeane Massey wrote a poetic tribute to the women, she mentioned many places the women could be found:

You can find her bowed in prayer, asking God for guidance

She feels His sweet communion, as he speaks through sounds of silence

You can find her in the kitchen, with cookies or a cake

She bakes as much for church, as for her family's sake

At the Prayer Breakfast, one could witness the bowing of heads, the folding of hands with eyes closed as the women of the church asked for guidance to work in the missions and help those in need.

"The Carteret Cooks," the more recent cookbook, has a Cakes and Cookies section. Now is the time to bake cakes and cookies to have on hand during the festivals. While showing off our lovely city, share the history of the church, and share the sweets of the women whose deeds make them attractive.

TEXAS TORNADO CAKE

11/2 cup sugar

2 cups fruit cocktail and juice

2 eggs

2 teaspoons soda

2 cups cake flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup chopped nuts

Grease and flour oblong pan. Mix first 5 ingredients and pour in pan. Mix brown sugar and nuts; sprinkle over cake mix. Bake at 325 degrees for 40 minutes.

ICING:

1/2 cup butter

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup evaporated milk

1 cup flaked coconut

Combine butter and milk. Bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Add coconut. Spoon icing over hot cake. Serve from pan (it will not turn out of the pan.)

LEMON GLAZE CAKE

1/2 pound butter

1/2 cup Crisco

3 cups sugar

6 eggs

3 1/2 cups plain flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup milk

3 teaspoons lemon flavoring

1/2 teaspoon salt

Cream shortening, sugar and salt. Add eggs, one at a time. Add lemon flavoring, then flour with baking powder in it alternately with milk until all is added. Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Use well greased and floured pan.

ICING:

Add juice of 1 1/2 lemons (3 tablespoons if using frozen) to 3/4 stick of melted margarine and 2 cups of sifted powdered sugar. Mix well and pour over cake while cake is hot.