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Garrett Mason's Fundraiser for the MMHMF Foundation

Every year, Garrett Mason sponsors a Brunswick Stew sale to raise money for the Foundation scholarships and outreach programs. Ronald Stephenson and Bernard Jones, who owns the cast iron pot and the boat used as a stirrer, help. Garrett buys all of the ingredients, and very early in the morning, the day of the sale, these dedicated volunteers gather to make the stem over a wood-burning fire. It requires their constant attention and takes hours!

SOME HISTORY

Well over a half-century ago, the cast iron pot and boat oar now used were owned and used by Lucious Edwards Sr., a resident of Southern Chesterfield County, Virginia. He made the Brunswick stew for events held by churches, organizations, groups, and individuals in the County and surrounding areas. When he was a teenager, Bernard shared that he and other members of Shiloh Baptist Church would regularly help Mr. Edwards. Bernard must have been not only good at making the stew but also a reliable and dedicated helper for a long time. He recalled the day that as his health was continuing to decline, Mr. Edwards told him that he would give him the pot and oar. Since inheriting the items decades ago, Bernard has taken over the role of "stew maker" in the community.

A wood fire is started under the iron grill stand that holds the heavy cast iron pot. The ingredients are added in a specific order. Over the next several hours, the stew is cooked under watchful eyes! It must be stirred regularly to avoid "burning." Ingredients include a variety of vegetables, potatoes, and chicken. Garret Mason, Ronald Stephenson, and Bernard Jones are pictured left to right preparing the stew.

Pictured on the far right is the finished product placed in quart containers, ready for distribution to dozens of hungry folks!