A native of Ireland, Rev. Pogue was born in 1870 in County Monaghan, where he received his early education. Entering on his study for the ministry at the University of Toronto and Knox College, he graduated in Theology in 1895. After initial charges at Stayner and Hespeler, Ontario, he moved to Bethany Church in Philadelphia, U.S.A.
The call to St. Paul's was made in 1907, which he accepted and he was inducted on the 5th December the same year. Under his vigorous and aggressive leadership the congregation made rapid and substantial progress. The first ten years of his ministry saw an increase over 200 in the church membership and an attendant upsurge in church revenues. It was also during this period that the possibility of war became an horrific reality, and the initial unrest and agitation of Church Union developed into determined pressure toward final resolution.
On the completion of voting in 1925, the majority of St. Paul's congregation did not favour Union, and since Mr. Pogue had advocated and supported the Union cause, he had no alternative but to offer his resignation, which was in due course accepted.
After leaving Peterborough, Rev. Pogue served in St. Enoch's United Church, Toronto, and First Avenue United Church, Orangeville, Ontario.
Due to the limited amount of relevant material available, a ready assessment of the life and work of Rev. Pogue is not easily identified, but this short tribute is offered in retrospect:
“His eloquent and faithful proclamation of the Gospel truth and his readiness to assist in every movement for the betterment of the community, made a strong appeal to the large congregations that were drawn to his services. Despite the fact that it was necessary to sever his connection with the Presbyterian Church, he was held in the highest regard by all with whom he came in contact.”