Mother’s Day Tea at the Presbyterian Church

Guests could be forgiven if they imagined they’d been whisked to a British tea room as they arrived for the annual Mother’s Day Tea at the Presbyterian Church in Center Moriches on May 11.  A delicious cream tea, prepared by Nancy Horton and the ladies of the congregation, now in its 26th year, is a local tradition, and for some, an occasion not to be missed.

At the door, Wendy greeted regular attendees, as well as members of a new generation, who were shown to tables decked out with colorful linens and delicate china, all of which were donated for the event.  Her warm smile and friendly welcome meant that everyone immediately felt at home.

Once seated, each group of eight to 10 guests was served a pot of tea and an array of tasty sandwiches, sweets, scones, clotted cream and strawberry jam in the tradition of some of the finest tea rooms in the U K.  A popular local harbinger of summer, the event regularly draws an average of 100 to 120 visitors.

Following tea, guests could bring home their own pretty cup and saucer set filled with sweets.

In the tradition of other treasured annual events like the Thanksgiving Day parade, great care and advanced preparation are required and this tea party is no exception.  As the last guest departed, preparations for next year’s Mother’s Day Tea had already begun, assuring us of yet another sweet treat ahead in May 2025.