Both Northfield (155) & New Jerusalem (299) are popular. Northfield was probably been metioned because it's often a 1st fuging tune for people. Northfield may also be done a bit more because it's easier & beginners like to lead it.

I checked the online minutes for 2001 & 2002. Northfield was reported 115 & 136 times; New Jerusalem 97 & 106. Anything @100 or higher is very popular.

"Will our repast be displayed" does not scan, but the basic story you heard is the commonly accepted one. It may have been "Will supper (dinner) be delayed"