Kitchen History
In June 1986, Frank R. Deutsch, Senior Pastor/Director, opened the Austin Baptist Chapel, after seeking God's will, with realization of the great need for a ministry to the hungry of Austin. For over 100 years the Salvation Army has served breakfast and dinner daily with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas day. No one was providing a noon meal. When the Chapel opened, it served meals on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. In 1990, we discovered there was a great need for a hot noon meal seven days and we started providing that service.
From the first day we served, there have been several important principles that have guided the operation and development of the Chapel's ministry. First, we would not only meet the physical needs of those God sent our way, but also keep as a primary goal the sharing of Jesus Christ with all.
