By Msgr. Noel C. Burtenshaw

Look around Atlanta and see our Catholic institutions. In some capacity, at some time, over the past 30 years, Rawson Haverty has been involved in service to most of them.

St. Joseph’s Hospital has known his concern. The Village of St. Joseph and its proud predecessor, St. Joseph’s Orphanage in Washington, Georgia has felt his service. The bishops of the north Georgia area have sought his talented advice and requested his service. He has willingly guided boards and commissions. Currently, he is chairman of Campaign ’83, a three year pledge fund raising effort which is taking place in every parish in the archdiocese.

Always, whenever needed by his Church, Atlanta Catholic Rawson Haverty has been there to give time and service.

In recognition of that service, The Georgia Bulletin proclaims this active layman Man of the Year.

As the choice was made known to the many who have experienced his talent, wonderful praise has been heaped on this quiet business leader and father of five.

Archbishop Thomas A. Donnellan expressed his happiness upon hearing of the choice and issued the following statement:

“The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council, in numerous documents, but especially in the monumental Decree on the Church, spoke of the functions of layperson in the Church. They noted that by reason of this special vocation, it belongs to the laity to seek the Kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and directing them according to God’s wll.

“It was further noted that laypeople live in the world, they are engaged in each and every work and business of the earth and in the ordinary circumstances of social and family life, which, as it were, constitutes their very existence. There they are called by God, that being led by the spirit of the Gospel, they may contribute to the sanctification of the world by fulfilling their own particular duties. Thus, especially by the witness of their life, resplendent in faith, hope and charity, they must manifest Christ to others.

“These words constitute a summing-up of the role of a layperson in the Church and derive from the layperson’s very vocation as a Christian. They also are descriptive, of our ‘Man of the Year,’ Rawson Haverty.

“He is a force for good in the community of Atlanta, a tireless worker for the welfare of others, a respected business man, an exemplary and outstanding Catholic gentleman. Despite a multitude of family and business obligations, he is most generous in response to requests that he not only engage in but serve as a leader of numerous volunteer services and boards. The Archdiocese of Atlanta has benefited immeasurably from his leadership and service on the Archdiocesan Board of Finance, the Board of Saint Joseph’s Hospital, and most recently through his help as dedicated chairman of our Capital Funds Appeal.

“Saint Matthew’s Gospel quotes a saying of the Lord that applies very fittingly: ‘Your light must shine so brightly before men that they can see your good works and glorify your Father Who is in Heaven.’”

Sister Stella Maris of St. Joseph’s Hospital remarked, “He is a keen businessman but has a big heart. He learned from an early age that material goods alone could not bring happiness. He learned they must be shared with the poor, the sick and the deprived. Rawson is respected in the community for his generosity.”

His pastor, Father Alan Dillman of Holy Spirit Church, was also delighted with the selection. “When I came to Holy Spirit last year, Rawson was one of the first to welcome me in a kind and friendly manner.”

And the tributes continue. Current head of the Board of the Village of St. Joseph, Clarence Ridley, put it well when he said, “Rawson Haverty’s work over the years for the Village represented a substantial contributed to the ability of the Village to make the transition from a small town orphanage to the highly qualified treatment facility it is today.”

The point made by Mr. Ridley is well taken. Not only has the 62-year-old Atlanta businessman worked on every level for the Church, but he has been there serving at the most difficult times.

He was with the Village in 1966 when it moved from Washington to the new location in Atlanta. He was with St. Joseph’s Hospital in 1977 when it moved from downtown Atlanta to its present North Atlanta location. He was there when new administrative structures were formed on the highest level in the Archdiocese. And again this year, as a crucial drive for funds is initiated, Rawson Haverty once more takes the lead.

Atlanta pastor, Monsignor Don Kiernan of Immaculate Heart of Mary parish, said, “Whether you have a large crowd or a small number, Rawson is there to speak and encourage. He will give it his best at all times. He is a great worker.”

Haverty, whose grandfather started the Haverty Furnishings business, is currently president of the company. He is married to the former Margaret Munnerlyn. They have five children, two boys and three girls.

“We also have one granddaughter,” says Margaret, “and she is the darling of her grandfather. She even has his name. She is called Elizabeth Rawson.”

Rawson Haverty attended school in Atlanta, Sacred Heart in downtown first and then North Fulton public school. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia. During the second World War he was a tank commander in Europe and saw a lot of action.

Leaving the army after the war, he rejoined his family business and in his thirties became president of Haverty Furnishings. The company has seen great expansion under his brilliant guidance. There are 68 Haverty stores across the southeastern and southwestern United States.

While his influence has been felt by the Church, whether it was advising archbishops or teaching in the parish Sunday School, he has not neglected his city either. He has headed many civic projects and boards in the city and in 1964 he was chairman of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

The Church in Atlanta, parishes and projects have been blessed over the years because of the responsible service of Rawson Haverty. Last year, 1983, was another time of keen involvement for this North Georgia Catholic. Happily, The Georgia Bulletin designates him “Man of the Year.”