What began as a way to honor the memory of Larry’s late wife, Pat, has grown into a lasting tradition of generosity, faith, and fellowship.
A Legacy Built on Helping Others
Pat’s Table began in January 2013, following the death of Larry’s wife, Pat, in October 2012 after a five-year battle with cancer. Pat had spent 26 years teaching before retiring and working as a librarian for another 15 years. Throughout her career, helping others was an important part of her life.
Before her death, Pat expressed a desire to be used by God to help people. After hearing those wishes from their pastor, Larry began considering how he could carry that spirit of service forward.
Inspired by a food ministry in a nearby community, Larry decided to start something similar in Prophetstown. He announced the plan at Pat’s funeral, surprising many of those in attendance. Within less than three months, Pat’s Table was up and running.
What started as a leap of faith quickly became a major community effort. In its early years, the program served more than 100 people at a time and relied on approximately 100 volunteers organized into teams responsible for cooking, serving, assisting guests, and cleaning up.
A Community That Shows Up When It Matters
Pat’s Table began serving meals during a particularly memorable time for Prophetstown. In its first year, a major fire broke out in town on the same night as the program’s meal.
The community responded by bringing food to help feed those working to fight the fire. Pat’s Table served approximately 250 people that first night, followed by another 200 the next evening.
The experience demonstrated how a simple meal could become an important source of support during a difficult moment. Over the years, that same spirit of generosity has continued to shape the program.
Today, Pat’s Table operates on a smaller, monthly schedule during the school year. Meals are served on the second Monday of each month, with the summer months off. The schedule was adjusted over time to account for winter weather, which had frequently forced cancellations in January.
Despite the changes, the mission remains the same: making sure people have access to a home-cooked meal and a welcoming place to gather.
More Than a Meal
Pat’s Table is built around three simple words: food, friends, and fellowship.
Larry explained that people come for different reasons. Some may need a meal, while others may be looking for companionship, a welcoming environment, or a sense of connection with their community.
The meals are full, home-cooked dinners, complete with entrees, sides, vegetables, and desserts. Larry’s personal favorite is meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy.
The experience has also grown to include live music, with a violinist and guitarist providing entertainment during meals over the past year.
There is no charge to attend, and everyone is welcome.
For Larry, the program’s impact is reflected in the stories of the people who have walked through its doors. One particularly meaningful memory involves twin brothers who were just 14 years old when they first came to Pat’s Table because they needed food.
After eating their first meal, the boys approached Larry in the kitchen and asked how they could help. Larry arranged for them to volunteer, and they continued attending Pat’s Table for years before moving on to jobs elsewhere.
One of the brothers stayed in contact with Larry and eventually moved back to Prophetstown. More than a decade after first volunteering, he returned to help again, including vacuuming after a recent meal.
For Larry, seeing someone who once needed assistance return to give back is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact Pat’s Table can have.
Powered by Donations, Volunteers and Faith
Keeping Pat’s Table operating requires significant resources. With more than 45,000 meals served, the program depends on donations to cover food and other expenses.
Larry said financial contributions make up most of the donations because they allow the cooking team to purchase ingredients that fit each meal’s needs.
The program operates under the Prophetstown United Methodist Church at 200 West Second Street in Prophetstown. Pat’s Table is a 501(c)(3) organization, making eligible donations tax-deductible.
The volunteer effort has also evolved over the years. As longtime cooking teams aged and became less available, Paula Rodriguez of Morrison stepped in with a cooking team that has helped prepare meals for years. Britney Butts coordinates the various teams responsible for serving and cleanup.
Even with an established group of volunteers, additional help is always welcome. Those interested in volunteering can contact the church, which can connect them with the appropriate coordinator.
Larry’s story also reflects the importance of faith in sustaining the ministry. When asked early on when he might stop running Pat’s Table, he decided that would be determined by God rather than by a set timeline. More than 13 years later, that commitment continues to guide the program.
How to Visit or Support Pat’s Table
Community members are invited to attend Pat’s Table on the second Monday of each month during the school year, from 5 to 6 p.m. Meals are free, and everyone is welcome. Please note that the Thanksgiving meal will be held on the third Monday, November 16th.
Those interested in donating or volunteering can contact the Prophetstown United Methodist Church at 537-2496 or visit the church at 200 West Second Street, Prophetstown, Illinois.
With thousands of meals served and countless connections made, Pat’s Table continues to honor Pat’s legacy through a simple but meaningful act of kindness.
As Larry shared with Kierstyn, people can find whatever they need most at Pat’s Table, whether that is food, friendship, or fellowship.
Watch this episode of Along the Rock to learn more about Larry Stewart, the story behind Pat’s Table, and the community spirit that continues to keep Pat’s memory alive.
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