Community cooks up support for pastor's family

A community fundraiser for a local family became a countywide tribute to a longtime pastor last week.

Pastor Charlie Denson of the Assembly of God church in Thompson Falls passed away October 31 after a brief battle with brain cancer.

Denson was pastor at the Thompson Falls church for 38 years. The church community originally scheduled the Nov. 12 fundraiser to help with medical expenses. When Denson passed, it became a fundraiser for his family.

Bruce Donaldson, who has been a member of the AOG church since 2001, said they had between 250 and 300 people. The fundraiser had chili and cornbread, and Donaldson stated that they had about a dozen different kinds of chili. "Several people from other churches helped and donated chili as well," Donaldson said.

"We had people from all ends of the county," Donaldson continued. "It was very gratifying to see the support for the family. It was a county effort."

Tony Smith echoed Donaldson's comments. "The chili cookoff fundraiser for the Denson family received great community support. Everyone feasted on chili and cornbread, as well as a plethora of desserts," Smith said. "Although this Fundraiser came about because of the loss of our dear Pastor Charlie Denson, it would have brought him tremendous joy seeing all the love and support gathered together. The Denson family and congregation from Gospel Mountain Assembly of God Church appreciates everyone who participated in this special event."

When speaking about Denson's impact on the community Donaldson detailed his "love and outreach to the community," including with organizations such as Helping Hands and the Men's Prayer Breakfast group, and events including the chicken jamboree and Christmas on Main Street."

A memorial service for Denson is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, November 23, at Gospel Mountain Assembly of God, 1120 Preston Ave., Thompson Falls.