It was their first experience in holding a chili cooking contest, an interesting adventure during this holiday season where ham, turkey and mashed potatoes are on most menus. But they pulled it off like it was a customary happening at The First United Baptist Church in Gloucester. Members agreed, “It was so successful we hope to make it an annual event.”

It was John Perrin’s idea of holding this cook-off and he served as chairman with the support of other members of the church. His idea stemmed from the meeting of a friend at Walmart who had participated in a chili cooking contest. In fact, John entered his church contest with a recipe that is named after the meeting, “Judy’s Wal-Mart Chili.”

On this special Saturday morning, eight chili cooks arrived with slow-cookers in tow, filled with what they believed to be the best chili ever. Three judges were on hand to make that decision. This was the first time any of the contestants had participated in a chili cook-off.

Ricky Pierc...