History of the Lord’s Table
The Gaithersburg Community Soup Kitchen, Inc., (“The Lord’s Table” or TLT) has been feeding the neediest members of our community since 1984. Establishment of TLT was the inspiration of two individuals from St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, Mrs. Fran Hunt and Mrs. Pam O’Connell who had noticed a growing homeless population in Gaithersburg who frequently visited the Church for assistance. Other key individuals who helped make Fran’s and Pam’s inspiration come to reality included Fr. Americo (Dino) DiNorcia (St. Martin’s pastor), Gail Bernero, Marty Daugherty, and John Caricofe . The longest serving member is Mrs. Mary Canapary (assisted by husband Herb). Mary volunteered at the beginning and served as manager and de facto president up until 2018. She still volunteers at the kitchen and serves on the Board.
The Lord’s Table name was the result of a naming contest among St. Martin’s elementary school children. Until 2018 TLT operated out of St. Martin’s Church Hall. Eighty-eight churches of all denominations, synagogues, a mosque, and other civic organizations provided volunteers to maintain the 6 day a week hot meals service. Children from area schools helped serve the guests.