Meet Olen and hear his story about his support for Children’s Hope Alliance. He will have his products at Bethel Presbyterian’s “Old Fashion Christmas Bazaar” on December 9, 2023.
Bethel Presbyterian’s Old Fashion Christmas Bazaar
On December 9, 2023, Bethel Presbyterian Church is hosting an Old Fashion Christmas Bazaar from 9:00 am till 3:00 pm. Proceeds from this bazaar go to the Children’s Hope Alliance, supporting the children they serve. One of the main vendors, who is donating all his proceeds to the cause, is Olen Persons.
Let’s meet Olen Persons
Olen and wife Margie
Olen was raised in Mississippi and his father owned a lumber company. As a boy he worked at the mill, giving him the opportunity to learn about wood products. As an adult his hobbies included woodworking, motorcycles, and ham radio. He has spent many hours in the shop in his basement hand carving bowls with an adz and gouge. (Adzes are used for cutting and trimming rough wooden planks and shaping and smoothing wooden surfaces)
Wood turning on a lathe is his happy place. He instructs turning and enjoys seeing new woodworkers discover the artistry they can create. Being retired now gives him more time in his shop.
Several years ago, he was drawn to Bethel Presbyterian Church when he heard about the benefit BBQ for Children’s Hope Alliance. Olen has a heart for missions. He has worked on the Mission Committee and has been the organizer for mission trips while at Bethel.
Giving Back
After the church discontinued the BBQ, he was asked to team up with Nanette Bennette who was doing her own benefit sale. With the approval of the Elders, they have brought a benefit sale back to Bethel. After having success with the members of the church and requests from the neighborhood for a church BBQ again the Christmas Bazaar was conceived. All of Olen’s proceeds is going to Children’s Hope Alliance.
The first annual Christmas Bazaar will be this year on December the 9th. The address is 19920 Bethel Church Road, Cornelius, NC from 9:00 am till 3:00 pm. We hope to have many more in the future.
Other vendors at this year’s bazaar include:
Al Alexander – Stained glass
Linda Alexander – Cards
Gloria Guyson – American Girl doll clothes
Katie Isaacs (LKI Art) -water color art
Jane Oglesby (Fun with ceramics and Jane) -household ceramics
Herb Poole (A Poole of Pictures) -right to photos for printing
Kristen Helms (ColorStreet Stylist) -nail colors
Rebecca Stevens -Book and signing
Heather (Erika’s Classy Crystals) – stones
Mike Crump (Paws to remember) – garden stepping stones
Emily Nelson (Hullaballoo Hats and Accessories) – Fascinator hats
Denise Thompson (Chivalry Candles) -candles
Kelly Hunsucker (Especially 4 you) -jewelry
Tara Steger (Cross my heart creations) -specialty items
Here are some samples of Olen’s work.
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