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i < ' Rev. Alex McDowell has been retired from full-time ministry at Eastminster United Church for seven years but, he remains active. Sunday, assisting the youth group, he dug out a "down home" recipe for fish chowder from his native Prince Edward Island and helped train the young people to make the dish, which proved popular to a large number of the congregation who stayed for lunch. (Staff Photo) Cleric's secret chowder makes a 'miracle'meal By JACK EVANS Staff Reporter One might not equate a bowl of soup and a slice of bread with a feast, but it seemed like that to the congregation of Eastminster United C h u r c h S u n d a y , especially when the soup was a hearty fish chowder from a secret recipe of Rev. Alex McDowell ' s nat ive Prince Edward Island. McDowell, who came to Belleville in 1956 as first pastor of the Eastminster congrega- tion, is formally retired but remains connected with the church as minister emeritus. Having left the full- time ministry seven years ago, he still helps out at services and with pastoral duties, and re- mains a valued and respected member of many of the church's ac- tivities. Sunday, his role was to be a resource person for the young people's organization in both preparing and ser- ving the luncheon following the morning service. McDowell looked busier in the kitchen, than at your average t e l e v i s i o n c h e f , assiduously tending the blending of the chowder and assuring that the many dozens attending were served with effi- ciency. While he rapped out the orders, a crew of young people labored with trays of chowder and buttered bread. The young people got the credit for putting it on, but it was a con- gregational effort, ex- plained the present minister, Rev. Ed. Bentley. It was meant to emphasize fellowship in the congregation and it got the new year off to a good start, thanks to the chowder. McDowel l d idn ' t divulge the precise pro- portions, but ingre- dients included clams, salmon, tuna, soallops, haddock, cod, bacon, onions, celery and milk with assorted season- ings.