Congregation, Area Ministers Praise Work Done by Rev. Poovey, Oct. 25, 1919

From the front page of The Brevard News, Friday, Oct. 25, 1919. The newspaper didn't mention the first name of Rev. Poovey, nor the first names of some other participants, nor the name of his church. 

Farewell Reception for Rev. Mr. Poovey

The Sunday evening service was devoted to expressions of appreciation for the four years of untiring service of Mr. and Mrs. Poovey.

The church had been beautifully decorated by Mrs. Z.W. Nichols. The chancel and pulpit were a mass of autumn flowers artistically arranged. Special music was furnished by the church choir and members of the Institute Glee Club.

Mr. Welch Galloway was spokesman for the church in discussing Mr. Poovey as the pastor of the church. He said, “There are few preachers that can stand before the same audience twice on Sunday and once during the week for four years and always have a real message from God’s word. Mr. Poovey has never fallen down on a sermon.” Mr. Galloway also said, “Mr. Poovey is not only a good preacher, but he is good at anything he undertakes. He can till the soil, build a house, or paint a picture equally well.

Mrs. Reece expressed gratitude of the Sunday School for Mr. and Mrs. Poovey’s faithful service. She said, “The Sunday School has increased 300 per cent in attendance and 700 per cent in collections during Mr. Poovey’s Pastorship.” He was always present at Sunday School and has taught a class the greater part of the time.

Mr. Trowbridge expressed gratitude of the Institute for Mr. Poovey’s willingness to help the school in every way. He mentioned many ways in which the school had found Mr. Poovey equally efficient.

In speaking of Mr. Poovey as a friend of other denominations Rev. Seagle said, “Mr. Poovey is too broad minded to not be a friend of other denominations. He has never failed to take interest in special services held in any of the churches of the town.”

Mr. T.H. Shipman represented the business man in speaking of Mr. Poovey as a citizen of the town. Mr. Shipman said, “I first met Mr. Poovey on a good roads meeting. I was favorably impressed with him thru the interest he took in improving the roads of the county. He has always been present at any meeting that was for the good of the people and he was not afraid to express his opinion on any subject.” Mr. Shipman spoke of the active part Mr. Poovey took in the Red Cross and war campaigns, of his service during the influenza epidemic. He said, “The business men of the town will feel a real loss when Mr. Poovey is no longer a citizen of the town.”

In the presentation of a $50 check as a gift from the church Mr. Ralph Zachary indulged in eloquence in sounding praises for service done the church and the town by Mr. Poovey.

In his response Mr. Poovey said, “When I came in I thought the church was decorated for a wedding, later I decided it was for a divorce, but these expressions of praise have sounded like it was a funeral.” Mr. Poovey offered to marry any couple that would step forward. His offer was not accepted.