POCATELLO - There was a bit of emotion Chris Young's voice as she read the story of Clark V. Poling at a Bannock County Civitan meeting Wednesday afternoon.

Young and other Civitan members across the country dedicated last week to honoring clergy for the club's annual Clergy Appreciation Week. On Wednesday, she and other members read the story of Poling and three other military chaplains who gave their life jackets to other servicemen when their ship, the USS Dorchester, was torpedoed and sank Feb. 3, 1943. The four men, Jewish, Catholic and Protestant, laughed, sang and prayed to comfort the men who could not reach a lifeboat as they went to their own deaths.

Along with the retelling of the story, the group honored Pastor Jacqueline Thomas of Praise Temple of God, and her Associate Pastor, Kimiko Callen with certificates of recognition.

Pocatello Mayor Roger Chase also read a proclamation dedicating Feb. 1-7 National Clergy Appreciation Week at the regular city council meeting Thursday.

Local Civitan president Ann McCarty encouraged everyone in the community to take some time to thank local clergy for all they do to provide for the community.

Clergy Appreciation Week has been observed by Civitan Clubs since 1960 when the Albuquerque Breakfast Civitan Club in Albuquerque, NM first set aside the week to honor clergy.

"This time is set aside each year," McCarty said "to remember these heroic deeds and pay tribute to all clergy who dedicate themselves to serving others."