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Waffle Shop, one of Nashville’s oldest and most popular events, is back in-person. The event on Dec. 1 will benefit homeless ministries at Downtown Presbyterian Church

BY MARY SKINNER AND DIXIE WILLIAMSON

The Waffle Shop began in 1924 as a fundraiser for the Downtown Presbyterian Church and evolved into a popular holiday tradition. In the early days when downtown was the center of Nashville’s retail, the Waffle Shop marked the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. Over the decades it has evolved as an event to raise funds to purchase food and supplies to provide weekly meals for the less advantaged members of our community.

This year’s event takes place Thursday, Dec. 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The church is selling Waffle Shop tickets on the website at dpchurch.com. The $15 ticket includes:

• A waffle breakfast which includes waffles, grits, a choice of Hattie B’s Hot Chicken or sausage, choice of Frothy Monkey Coffee or spiced tea

• A free guided tour of the church’s beautiful historic Egyptian Revival sanctuary

• The opportunity to shop at the church’s gift shop which includes homemade baked goods and other merchandise

• Most importantly, it is a contribution to the church’s community outreach program which assists those in our community who need food and clothing Printed tickets are also available and will be sold by church members or at the church office at (615) 254-7584. Tickets will increase to $20 the day of the event.

Free parking will be available in Lot B at the Nissan Stadium. And an Old Town Trolley will provide shuttle service. Please refer to the church’s website (dpchurch.com) for more detailed instructions. To purchase a ticket or for more information, go to the church’s website (dpchurch.com) and support Waffle Shop 2022.

The 98th Waffle Shop will honor the late Irene Wills

Irene Jackson Wills was a beloved member of Downtown Presbyterian Church (DPC) for many years. She died earlier this year on May 14. In the midst of mourning her loss, the DPC community realizes that we are richer for having had her as a part of our congregation.

For about as long as Irene and her husband Ridley were married, she was a part of the Waffle Shop activities. July 2022 would have been their 60th anniversary. The delicious cheese wafers that some members still make for Waffle Shop are from a recipe that, although not verified, may very well have come from Irene. There is explicit instruction at the end of the recipe to be careful not to add too much red pepper, especially if it is fresh.

She always made sure that at Christmas time there were poinsettias decorating the sanctuary in memory of her and Ridley‘s son Jesse who died at a very early age.

Irene’s gentle, yet firm and direct approach, to expressing her thoughts and opinions was always a unique quality. With assuming trust, she imparted personal information with dignity. Until just a few weeks before her death, Irene helped with bagging the lunches for our homeless community.

Traditionally, long-timers “graduate” to the head table to make waffles during the annual event. Irene was among those who carefully poured the batter into the irons and watched as the waffles turned a golden brown. She no doubt was one of the neater cooks, as the batter inevitably spilled all over the table.

Ridley Wills credited the recipe for the waffles to Mrs. Noel Oscar. Over the years many hands have gone into the annual event. Irene participated along with Damaris Steele, Mary Anne Maddin, Luann Pilkington, Josephine Douglas, Martha Lindsey, Loiette Henry and Sarah Cheshire, to name just a few.

In recent years, Irene was responsible for recruiting the cooks. Sometimes she would try to get a jump on recruiting them ahead of others who were trying to recruit for other duties, like the servers.

As Waffle Shop returns “in person” this year, those who knew Irene will miss her presence at the table. A dear and devoted member of our church community, the memory of Irene’s steadfastness and dedication remains.

The event supports the Downtown Presbyterian Church Outreach Program

As a downtown congregation, we believe God has called us to reach out into the surrounding community and support Nashville’s most vulnerable and marginalized residents. The church spends almost $15,000 a year in food and supplies to provide a weekly nutritious meal to those in need. Volunteers assist in making and distributing the meals. Addressing the needs of those struggling to live with burdens such as urban poverty, homelessness, addiction and domestic abuse is best achieved by partnering with dedicated organizations who have built up expertise and effectiveness in their given field. Our partner organizations have a proven track record and we have been supporting them through financial contributions, fundraising events and volunteers for many years. For a complete list of the organizations supported by the Downtown Presbyterian Church, visit dpchurch.com/mission-outreach.

Don’t miss out on the merriment!

What could be better than eating delicious waffles paired with Hattie B’s Hot Chicken while listening to one of Music City’s most popular bands — Les Kerr and the Bayou Band.

Afterwards, browse through the Bake Goods & Gift Shop and be sure to check the Silent Auction, which will have lots of items perfect for holiday gifts.

Then, take a tour of the sanctuary of one of the most unique American churches and Nashville’s second oldest existing church. Designed by William Strickland, the architect who also designed the Tennessee State Capitol, the church was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993 for its distinctive Egyptian Revival architecture.

Best of all, you will be supporting a very worthy cause by helping the church’s outreach program to raise much needed funds for food to feed those less fortunate members of our community.