PORT BYRON - It's been three decades or so that handmade afghans, ornamental candles and tree ornaments have arrived just in time for Christmas shopping at the Port Byron United Methodist Church's annual fall bazaar and craft sale. For the majority of those years, Mary Longyear's vegetable beef soup has been served at the accompanying luncheon.

“It's become famous for Mary Longyear's soup,” said Ruth Wethey, one of the participants in the event Saturday.

Longyear passed away three years ago, but her children continue to make the soup at the annual October event. And they continue to maintain the secrecy of just exactly what is in the hearty, tasty soup.

“It's a secret. We were told point blank,” said Longyear's daughter Rose Shaffer. Shaffer said her mother was so protective of the recipe that she was reluctant even later in life to tell her daughters the full secret of it.

Shaffer and her sister, Taffy Bowen, were in the kitchen Saturday with other members of the church's women's group, Port Byron Methodist Women, serving up the soup, heaping sandwiches and fruit turnovers.

The soup ingredients of beef, tomatoes, corn, peas and carrots could be visibly identified, but the seasoning will remain a mystery.

For years, they would freeze beef broth and vegetables from their gardens in preparation for their mother's making of a big batch of the soup for the bazaar fund-raiser, Shaffer said.

The lunch tables were packed midday at the church on South Street in Port Byron. The deluge of rain kept few away.

The bazaar's offerings, including baked goods that were snatched up fast, were the collective result of donations of 20 members of the church and other supporters.

“By God's grace, it works all year long,” said Carolyn Wethey, a main organizer of the annual bazaar.

She noted that some members aren't able to make craft items anymore, but still donate toward the effort.

“It's got a lot of history,” she said.

Betty Thomas, a member of the church was at the sale selling handmade cards with pretty bows and bright colors that she made as part of the group taught by a “Stampin' Up!” consultant.

“It's mainly to help out the church, but I have so many cards I can't begin to send them all,” Thomas said with a laugh.

Half of the funds raised go toward the church ministered by the Rev. Carol Moyer and half go toward the women's group. The women's group uses its funds for missions locally and abroad. They raised several hundred dollars last year.

“Our goal is not to sit on funds but to use them. So many people need it,” said Carolyn.

Staff writer Amaris Elliott-Engel can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or at amaris.elliot-engel@lee.net