Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1911-09-06
Rev. A. Poe Boude Was Invited to
Dance by Maiden

@hn iueoioShuk Story VI Country
dance Of more than half a century
ago changed into a prayer meeting
by reason Of the presence OF a
preacher, who was invited by one
OF the young ladies to "trip the light
fantastic toe" was recently related
by visitor in Lexington.
The scene was laid in P, cahontas
county, West Virginia; time, 1866;
dramatis personae, Rev. A. Poe
Boude, a Methodist minister OF
ockbridge county, now of Stanley
ton, Page county, Va, and we'll
known in Lexington, and Mr.. James
Ii. Jarvis Of Rockbridge, now of
Gainesville, Fla.
Mr.. Jarvis is spending a few
weeks in Lexington visiting his sis
ter, Mrs. W. F. Pierson. He went
South many years ago and has pros
pered as an orange grower and
truck farmer. A few days ago he
related the following story.
In the year 1866, Rev. Mr.. Boude
and Mr.. Jarvis visited friends in
PocahOntss county, West Virginia.
On their return home, as they rode
along the Sparsely settled country.
one OF the travellers suggested at
the approach of night that they keep
a lookout for farm house in which
TO seek lodging for the night. To-
wards shutdown they spied a com-
Portable looking farmhouse, and on
approaching and requesting lodg-
ing, the man of the house readily
agreed to keep the travellers over
night. They dismounted and enter
ed the hospitable home. Their host
told the two strangers that a dance
had been arranged at his house for
the night and he hoped the joyous
ness OF the occasion would not dis
turb them. The two young men.
grateful for shelter for the night,
assured their host that such an ar
rangement would not inconvenience
them at all.
Alter supper young men and mai
dens of the neighborhood began as
sem6ling for the dance, and when a
goodly number had arrived the
young ladies gathered in a group
in the room and Judging from their
animated conversation some inter
esting topic was under discussion.
From frequent glances in the direc-
ton OF the two strange young men,
it was evident that they were under
discussion. In a short time an
nouncement was made that the
young ladies would make selection
OF partners for the first dance. I'm
mediately two charming maidens
approached the two strangers and
invited them to dance. They each
accepted. And as the Rev. MIR.
Boude took his place on the floor
with his partner for the old Virgin
ia reel, Mr.. Jarvis says the thought
came to him, Go ahead, old fellow,
and enjoy yourself; I'll never tell
on you"
When all the couples we're ready
for the opening Rev. Mr.. Boude
turned to his partner and said: Il
make it rule never to engage in
any under taking on which l cannot
ask the blessing OF God. Let us
pray" Then kneeling down he Of
fered iervent and eloquent suppli-
cation. At it's conclusion, the young
folks appeared too much amazed 10
know what to do. Their host came
to the rescue. He requested that
the dance be turned into q prayer
met ting, which was done. And the
strangers remained over the next
day, while Rev. Mr.. Boude preach
ed to large congregation who as
sembled from tie surrounding coun-
try.
The two young men left their hos
pitable hosts the following day on
their return to their home in Rock
bridge. And this is the first time
the story of that dance Vas ever re-
lated for publication.
Al Savoy" Friday and Saturday
Nights
The Savoy will present special at
fractions from THE Thompson