“Shrove Tuesday” is the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. It’s name comes from the Germanic-Old English word “shrive,” meaning absolve.
Also known as “Fat Tuesday”, Shrove Tuesday is also considered the last day for pre-lenten indulgence. Historically, it was used as a time to make use of any on hand ingredients such as eggs, milk, suagar and butter. This often lead to the creation of pancake supper. It is believed there was “pancake bell” rung throughout small towns to signal the appropriate time to begin preparing the pancake feast!
Many Episcopalian and Anglican churches around the globe use the opportunity to gather for a congregational Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. Many churches, including St. Matthias, host pancake events to commemorate Shrove Tuesday.