The Facebook group Holy Smokes was created more than a decade ago by Kay HiramiNe and other ministry leaders and pastors in Colorado Springs. That group’s reach has extended to Owensboro-Daviess County, where a a few dozen members of the local group Pipes and Pints come together weekly for fellowship along with a cigar and occasional drink.
What began as a few men from Heritage Baptist Church meeting at Dr. Michael Jones’s house a few years ago has evolved to include nearly 50 members locally. The group refers to themselves as Pipes and Pints and gathers on Monday evenings between 6 and 7 p.m. at the American Legion or an individual’s house.
While the local group are not officially associated with Holy Smokes, Pipes and Pints drew much of its inspiration from them. Many locals are members of the Holy Smokes Facebook group and jokingly refer to themselves as a “chapter.”
“We enjoy fellowshipping with each other while enjoying a good cigar or a pipe,” said Patrick Rowe, one of the group’s members. “We occasionally share a recently discovered bourbon or beer with each other.”
The group has representation from several churches in Owensboro plus some from Evansville and Henderson. While the group is primarily a fellowship of Christian men, they strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment.
“The mission is a fellowship of men who mostly call Jesus our Lord. We have had atheists and agnostics join us occasionally, and we always have a good fellowship with them,” Rowe said. “We have often prayed together over different needs in each other’s lives or for things we have heard about.”
Rowe said they would also sprinkle in the occasional discussion about politics, religion, and sports. Queen Elizabeth was the focal point for one of their more recent discussions.
“We made a toast to Queen Elizabeth upon her passing when we learned that one of her favorite songs is also a favorite for many of us — In Christ Alone by Keith Getty,” he said.
For more information or to inquire about joining, search Holy Smokes on Facebook, or email Rowe at [email protected] or Matthew Brink at [email protected].
