Area Methodist Churches pound their new pastor

Middleton, Powells Chapel, and Reaves United Methodist Churches came together to “pound” their new Pastor, Andy Dodd. No, they did not beat him with fists, sticks, or anything else.
Actually, “pounding the preacher” was a generally rural tradition dating back to the early 1800’s. Many pastors at that time were itinerant. They served many churches scattered over a large area. They usually travelled by horseback. There was very little, if any, pay. Church members, instead, would “pound him”. Simply stated, members of a congregation would bring a pound of some type provision to help the preacher on his journey. A pound of flour or sugar, lard, canned vegetables and fruits, pickles, or preserves were common gifts for replenishing his saddlebags.
Pounding was common in rural communities also. Many churches were pastored by individuals who were farmers. Preaching, for them, was a labor of love, not a paying position. In lieu of money, which was usually scarce, members of their congregations would share whatever they had to supplement meager wages. If the preacher owned horses or cattle, gifts of hay or corn were acceptable. Sometimes even a load of firewood would be given.

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