The fellowship at White Plains Baptist Church, a cornerstone of the community for over 80 years, is facing a challenge that has divided its congregation: the authenticity of a seven-layer salad.

The issue began at the church's monthly potluck dinner last Wednesday when Brenda C. Matthews brought her signature dish. Another member, Darlene S. Garrett, noted that the salad, presented in a glass trifle bowl for all to see, appeared to be missing a layer.

"A seven-layer salad has seven layers," Mrs. Garrett stated in a telephone interview. "Everyone knows what they are: lettuce, peas, onions, boiled eggs, cheese, bacon, and the dressing on top. Brenda's salad had no visible boiled egg layer. That makes it a six-layer salad."

Mrs. Matthews maintains that the eggs were present. "They were chopped very fine," she said. "They might have settled."

The disagreement, which began over the dessert table, has since grown. The church's fellowship committee was unable to reach a consensus on the matter, prompting the board of deacons to call a special meeting scheduled for this coming Thursday.

"We are taking this matter very seriously," said Deacon Earl T. Waggoner. "The integrity of the potluck is central to our fellowship. We must have standards."

The deacons are reportedly considering a proposal to require all potluck dishes to be accompanied by a printed list of ingredients. The proposal has been met with stiff opposition from some of the church's longest-standing members, who argue that their recipes are family secrets.

Services this past Sunday were described by one member as "tense." The church's pastor, Rev. Brad Thompson, delivered a sermon on the topic of grace and forbearance.