The especially fractious religious congregation was a particular trial to its pastor. Various committees flourished and much good work was done, but it seemed as though divisiveness and an obsession with procedure were too prominent for his taste. His friends in the clergy advised that his concerns were unnecessary and that he should stop worrying.
The elderly preacher at last fell ill and was confined to his bed for an extended period. A large floral display was quickly delivered, accompanied by a card which read as follows:
"The congregation's most sincere wishes for a full and speedy recovery ... by a vote of 382 to 64."