Cold biscuits, pickles, preserves and jellies were surrounded by pies and cakes of every flavor. Some women were famous for certain dishes. Ice was nonexistent so everybody went to the spring under the hill for a drink of water after the meal, and further in the woods behind the graveyard if they had to answer the call of nature. Today, many churches have built large fellowship halls. One important function of such a building is to allow for an indoor version of dinner on the ground.
Church members can then eat in air-conditioning, and rain never cancels a fellowship.
Tradition holds that everybody must eat until they are absolutely stuffed. The song leader might accuse the preacher of breaking in line to get more food. When everyone's plate is full, the singing will begin. Duos, trios, quartets and quintets are often organized from the church choir. Some churches set up a place for the singers outside.