Members of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church brought some heat to a cold night on Sunday, Jan. 26 with their first annual chili competition. Initiated by the church’s “MattMen,” the friendly contest included 11 entries and attracted around 75 hungry attendees.

Bruce Harken suggested the event and was inspired by a church he belonged to in Kansas City that held a similar competition.

Harken made his own batch of chili for the event. After many years developing a secret spice mix and four days of preparation, his batch was presented for tasting and voting.

Harken’s chili making advice? “Just do what you like. There is no wrong way."

A father‑daughter duo, used a friend’s recipe for their entry while Rory McPhee entered a time tested chili formula he has made for around 40 years.

Even after participating in two chili competitions in the past, McPhee said this competition boasted “no typical chili” and that the entries were all creative.

At the end of the night, the winners were crowned. Paul Magee took home honorable mention. A slight difference between third place and second had Team Drew and Gary just edging out Ross Edminster. David Dunn claimed first prize.

The chili cook-off doubled as a fundraiser to defray the cost of the church’s June mission trip to The Craddock Center in Georgia. Twenty-five members plan to attend the trip to southern Appalachia where they will deliver food and books to children and get other organizations involved in the area.

To raise additional funds, the church will also hold a bluegrass concert in March.