The High Tea Committee consists of, front row, from left, Jane LaMond, Sue LaMond, Helen Pires, First Lady Sherene Guyton, Emily Arowosaye, High Tea Coordinator Audrey Wilson, Annette Zielinski and Joanne Browne; and back row, from left, Tanetta Manderville, Nancy Rose, Janet Milne-Campbell, Juliette Diarra and Yvonne Carroll.
WEST ORANGE, NJ — With a theme of “Yesterday, Today, Forever, Jesus is the Same,” Bethany Church held its 10th annual Ladies High Tea in the Fellowship Hall of the church located at 30 Ashwood Terrace in West Orange on Saturday, June 4.
The High Tea was attended by 132 ladies impeccably dressed, mostly in Victorian outfits including dresses or gowns, gloves, hats or fascinators along with a matching handbag. It was a delight to experience the splendor of the love, the joy, the laughter, the peace and the oneness in Fellowship Hall as the men of the church, adorned in black slacks, white shirts and a bowties, served the ladies savories, scones, pastries and tea. Along with a grand prize, prizes for first, second and third place were awarded to the ladies with the best Victorian hat, fascinator and handbag, respectively.
Keynote speaker Eva Kroeze’s address detailed this year’s theme with much specificity.
“The High Tea tradition is believed to have started during the Industrial Revolution era when the working-class families served two meals a day: breakfast and late supper. After a hard day’s work, many returned home tired, hungry and in need of immediate sustenance,” Kroeze said, according to a press release. “This meal consisted of meats, bread, butter, potatoes, pickles, cheese and tea. The English afternoon tea on the other hand is credited to Anna, the late duchess of Bedford, who often found that she was hungry in the late afternoon before dinner. To ward off the afternoon hunger, she had tea, sandwiches and cakes brought up to her room in the afternoon. She often invited some of her friends to join her for that afternoon tea. Before long this practice evolved into a big elegant affair where the women would get dressed up and show off their fine china. Finger foods served included dainty sandwiches, crumpets and pastries.”
Typically held the first Saturday in June, coordinator Audrey Wilson and her committee begin to prepare for the annual High Tea approximately 10 months in advance. Things like color scheme, theme and favors are initially agreed upon. Other items of interest include selecting a keynote speaker, gift baskets contents, photography and music.
As an extension of Bethany Church Women’s Ministry, funds raised are also used to support other ministries of the church. To inquire about Bethany Church’s annual High Tea, call 973-325-1766.
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