Cook bay leaves, tomatoes, pepper, onion and celery together. Cook until all ingredients are soft approximately 1 1/2 hours.
Drain ingredients through a sieve or strainer.
In a large kettle add butter, sugar, flour, pickling salt, garlic and pepper.
Add 1/2 C. of the tomato juice; then 1 C to mix ingredients. Mix well. Then add all of the tomatoes. Mix well.
Bring to a boil, put into jars, and seal.