St. Andrew's Episcopal Church

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church was first organized as a mission in 1906, the same year that Champion Paper and Fibre Company was built on the banks of the Pigeon River in Canton. The cornerstone for the current church building was laid in 1922. St. Andrew’s was granted parish status in 1960, and in that same year, an annex was added to house Sunday school rooms and offices.
The former rectory now houses our Youth and Christian Education Program. In 2003, a new commons area and narthex, complete with an elevator, was constructed. Also at that time, the Christian Education Building was completely renovated. These new facilities were dedicated January 7, 2004. Today, St. Andrew’s is a growing, dynamic parish family. Our members come from all parts of Haywood County, western Buncombe County and Jackson County. There is a healthy diversity among parishioners with regard to race, age, occupation, background, and theological positions. We have a large number of children and youth in our parish family, and we offer many educational opportunities for all ages throughout the year (EFM, Adult Bible Study, Pilgrims in Christ, Confirmation Instruction, Sunday School, and Christian Formation). Our worship of God is centered in the Holy Eucharist. Lay persons serve as acolytes, lectors, lay readers, ushers, lay Eucharistic visitors, and altar guild members. All baptized Christians, including children, are invited to share with us in receiving Holy Communion.

COOKING FOR FUN AND CHURCH

“”Holy Smoke” Ministry at St. Andrews in Canton evolved not only from the obvious love of a North Carolina tradition – barbecuing – but also to fulfill a desire:To assist in the reduction of the church mortgage.

A group of parishioners with prior experience in barbecuing (North Carolina style) led the search for a large smoker that would be adequate for slow cooking items as large as whole pigs. A cooker that fit those requirements was located at a manufacturer in Nahunta, Georgia. Within weeks the cooker was purchased and towed to Canton and “Holy Smoke” was launched.

Joined by a cadre of dedicated parishioners at St. Andrews, the crew at St. Andrews has been preparing barbecue – Boston butts, whole hog, beef brisket and chicken quarters for the last four years. The proceeds from the many local festivals benefit programs and catered events performed by “Holy Smoke” have gone to paying off the mortgage at St. Andrews.

The many compliments that are received from the customers of “Holy Smoke” are the result of careful preparation and many hours of slow, careful cooking with quality products. The barbecued pork, typically piled high on sandwiches and dinners, is derived from Boston Butts that have been cooked for a minimum of 12 – 14 hours over cherry wood and served with a choice of sauces and slaw.

“Holy Smoke” is available to travel to any parish in the diocese for community building events or local fund raising activities. They offer some 16 – 18 side dishes, including your choice of vegetables, salads, and desserts.

Included in the many events for which “Holy Smoke” has supplied barbecue dinners have been benefits for a local Baptist congregation and the dedication of a new church by St. John’s Catholic congregation in nearby Waynesville. The success of “Holy Smoke” would not be possible without the many volunteers from the St. Andrews congregation that dedicate hours of labor in both the preparation of the food for each event but also the many smiling faces that serve the succulent barbecue creations at the many events hosted by “Holy Smoke.”

For more information about “Holy Smoke” contact St. Andrews at 828-648-7550.