
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, December 9, 1993                   TAG: 9312090389
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: S-17   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: FRANCES STEBBINS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

BOARS HEAD FEASTE DRAWS SELLOUT CROWD

When Robert Chapman joined the staff of First Presbyterian Church as minister of music 16 years ago, he brought with him an Advent idea that has become a Roanoke tradition.

The Boar's Head Feaste was served last Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in the church's fellowship hall. Diners enjoyed roast beef with "flaming plum puddyng" and a concert of seasonal music led by singers trained by Chapman. Members of the congregation acted as waiters and waitresses, costumed as people in medieval England at a festive event.

Now in its 15th year, the 160 tickets to each night of this event, which Chapman imported from Cleveland, sold out far in advance.

"Some people want us to extend it for two or three more nights, but that would be unfair to the volunteers who give a lot of time to the music, food preparation and all the other details this involves," he said.

This year, the church didn't even advertise the "feaste" to the general public, but only about one-third of those who came were members of the church, Chapman said. Friends, co-workers, visiting family and neighbors of members grabbed up the tickets, and there's always a waiting list.

The fellowship hall became the "great hall" and was lit by about 150 candles. A fanfare signaled the beginning of special acts, jesters performed, ushers dressed as monks welcomed folk to the meal and the entertainment and trumpets and dancers added to the festive atmosphere.

Over the years, people have driven from Richmond and Lynchburg and throughout Western Virginia. Some request that they be informed early so they can be sure of getting reservations.

The feaste began at 6:30 and ran for more than two hours. Chapman said it provided a way for many in the congregation to become involved in pre-Christmas preparations in their church through music, food preparation or gracious service to guests.

by CNB