MORAVIA - Lansing residents Jerry Burke and Betty Jarinec made the journey to Moravia on Saturday and they received a history lesson for their efforts.

The women attended the annual St. Matthew's Episcopal Church Fall Festival, which the church has offered for more than 30 years.

“I saw it advertised in the Shopper,” Burke said. “I was looking forward to coming over for the day.”

Church warden Pat Kinney gave the women a thorough tour of the church, which was founded in 1823.

“It has been rebuilt twice since then,” Kinney said.

The first reconstruction came in 1842, following a fire, and the second transformation took place because it was just too small.“

Kinney explained the origins of the church and its many intricate wood carvings that adorn the rich wooden interior.

“The carved wood statues that adorn the church were hand-carved by Hans Meyer, of the famed Oberammergau school in Germany,” she told her tour guests. “They were brought to the church in 1908 when Father William Sutherland Stevens oversaw the church.”

She said the rest of the sculptures were carved by Charles Hall, an itinerant carver from Schuyler County.

Local resident and former church warden Bernice Mather designed all needlework for the church's interior before her death. Community members helped stitch the intricate designs.

Bernice Mather was also the high school art teacher, Kinney said.

Of course, the day offered much more than tours of the church. Baked goods and crafts tempted guests throughout the event.

“All of the baked goods and soups were donated by church members,” said Mabel Gumpper. “It has been a tradition for more than 30 years.”

Helping Gumpper to tend the baked good table were, Debbie Atwood and Hilda Ripley.

Homemade craft items were donated by area crafters, with all crafts holding a fall theme. From flowerpots to hand-stitched dolls, there was a huge array.

Ending the day, guests were treated to original gospel music from regional musician and longtime member of the church, Jeff Newhart.