Hood Theological Seminary honored a longtime faculty member and a recently deceased Advisory Council member and his widow Thursday with the presentation of the Fifth Annual Bishop’s Award.
President Albert Aymer welcomed guests to the Bishop James Walker Hood Donor’s Recognition banquet on the Hood campus.
Among the special guests were the chairman of the board of trustees, Bishop Richard K. Thompson; retired Bishop Joseph Johnson; Bishop Roy Holmes and Bishop Louis Hunter, Jr.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the seminary’s most prestigious award, the Bishop’s Award. It was an emotionally charged evening as one of the honorees, Robert Pruehsner, had died only a week ago, but his widow, Lois, was present to receive the award.
The other recipient was Dr. Mary A. Love, a long-time member of the Hood faculty and a general officer of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and editor of church school literature.
The citation honoring Pruehsner reads in part:
“For almost a quarter century since moving to Salisbury, they have had, without fanfare, an impact on several institutions which still bear the mark of their leadership and generosity.
“Bob and Lois were among the early supporters for the newly formed Rowan Helping Ministry which Bob served as Board member and President. Likewise, Bob gave of his time and resources to the Salisbury Symphony and was one of its leading fundraisers. Bob and Lois were strong supporters of St. John’s Lutheran Church and its ministries, and also the ministries of the North Carolina Lutheran Synod.
“Bob was a faithful member of the President’s Advisory Council and served that board as Secretary and Vice-Chairman until his health caused him to relinquish his office. Bob and Lois established the Pruehsner Endowed Scholarship Fund, of which there are two current recipients, and also gave generously to the general scholarship fund to aid other students with financial need.
“The news of Bob’s death on Tuesday, April 28, came as we were making plans to surprise him and Lois with our prestigious Bishop’s Award for their many contributions of time, resources and love to Hood Theological Seminary. It is still fitting that this award be presented in memory of our beloved friend and brother, and to his faithful and loving wife.”
The citation honoring Love reads in part:
“Dr. Mary Love is involved in a profound love affair … with her church. Throughout her adult life, she has shown a dedication to the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church that has led her to become a respected general officer of the church where she has served as the editor of Church School Literature continually since 1980.
“At Hood Theological Seminary, she has served since 1996 as adjunct professor of Christian education. In 1996, she was recognized by Livingstone College and Hood Theological Seminary as the recipient of an honorary doctorate of humane letters.
“At Hood she has become a true advocate for the students as well as becoming a confidante and friend. Several years ago she started up the Worship Arts Festival which is now in its fourth year.
“For her life’s work of service to her beloved A.M.E. Zion Church, for her service to her students and her colleagues at Hood Theological Seminary and her exemplary Christian life, Hood Theological Seminary recognizes her and thanks Mary A. Love with the presentation of the 2009 Bishop’s Award.”