Editor Honored

Surprised by Piedmont College

“Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding . . . Wisdom is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her.” Proverbs 3:13-18

Pictured, left to right, are Dr. Barbara Steinhaus-Jordan, Assistant Professor of Music, Piedmont College, Editor Joe Polhemus, Piedmont College President Dr. W. Ray Cleere, and Piedmont College Chaplain Rev. Ashley Cook

Piedmont College Chaplain Rev. Ashley Cook preached that happiness should be a key element in wisdom, a new thought to many of us.

She was speaking from the pulpit on Heritage Sunday, November 3, 2002, at First Congregational Church, Mansfield, Ohio. Her appearance had been publicized and eagerly anticipated for weeks.

Not publicized, however, was the “Elegy of Appreciation” that she read at the end of her sermon, based on Corinthians 2:11-13 and Proverbs 3:13-18.

It read in part (congregational response in bold print):

Today we celebrate one whose admiration for words and commitment to Congregational Christianity has resulted in priceless dialogue and precious collegiality through the perpetuation of The Congregationalist. We applaud his steadfast quest to interpret spiritual things to those who are spiritual.

He nurtures a tree of life for those who seek to grasp wisdom.

On behalf of Piedmont College, we commend the members of the First Congregational Church of Mansfield, Ohio, for their covenantal support of Joseph B. Polhemus as he grew in his understanding of the gifts bestowed upon him by God. In the company of his community of faith gathered to worship God, we express gratitude for the ways our efforts as an Educational institution have been enriched by his editorial endeavor.

Happy are those who find wisdom.

Dr. Barbara Steinhaus-Jordan, Assistant Professor of Music, Piedmont College, enhanced the theme of the service by singing “Wisdom”, with words adapted by her from Proverbs 3:18. “Wisdom: she’s a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; Blessed are those who wait for her.”

At the end of the service, Piedmont College President Dr. W. Ray Cleere presented a plaque further honoring the Editor. It had been Dr. Cleere who suggested the surprise honor at the 2002 Annual NACCC Meeting in Spokane, Washington. Members of First Congregational Church took his proposal back to their Board of Deacons who decided the ideal time for the presentation would be Heritage Sunday.

Editor Joe Polhemus expressed his deep appreciation to the Piedmont team, but questioned whether he was the proper subject for a service based on “wisdom”.