Cedar Valley 50: Westminster Christmas dinner an annual tradition

Aug. 27--WATERLOO -- Bob Brown has a passion that's gone on for more than 30 years. He's gotten away with it with the help of about 60 to 70 people, including his wife, Judy.

Actually, it's her passion too.

It's the annual free Christmas Day dinner at Westminster Presbyterian Church that the Browns, the church and a cadre of volunteers have put on since 1981.

And several hundred people each year are grateful.

"I'm extremely possessive of this. I have such a passion for it," said Brown, now in his 80s. He knows the work someday must be passed on but wants to continue as long as he and Judy can.

"So many people look forward to it. That's their Christmas Day," and a holiday tradition with many. It is open free of charge to anyone who will be alone at Christmas for whatever reason.

"To me, there'd be a lot of lonely people if we didn't have it," said Brown, a retired Waterloo insurance agent and former Waterloo Chamber of Commerce board chairman and Waterloo City Council member.

"I don't think we have any idea, (of) the people out there that are still struggling," said Brown, who serves on several human service agency boards. But more important than that, people need companionship on Christmas.

"I think it's economic, but I also think people need to be around other people. I can't imagine on Christmas Day, sitting by yourself someplace." For example, "you might have family, but you're not together, they're far away." That's a reason to come.

"We don't know the background," Brown said. "For example, a couple that's had a divorce," Brown said, where the former spouse has the children, leaving one parent alone. "You need to be down there, with other people," at the dinner, Brown said.

The dinner has only been canceled once, in 2009, due to an adverse weather forecast.

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