A Nurse for Daniel by Marlene Bierworth

Author:Marlene Bierworth [Bierworth, Marlene]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-07-23T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

The church was enormous by anyone’s standards. White boards covered the outside of the building, and double doors stood open to welcome the congregation. Tall stain-glassed windows on each side pictured the agony of the cross on the left and the risen Christ on the right—the gospel in a nutshell for the world to see. Its pinnacle reached heavenward, and a tower, open on all sides, was perched on top. Inside the opening, a bell swung a steady, welcoming ring calling the worshippers to gather for service.

Gwen entered with the family, having been formally invited by Mrs. McAlister to sit in their pew. The most likely reason being that she would mind the little one and ensure he did not cause a disturbance during the service. She scanned the room for Arthur and found him sitting in the balcony with the other carriage drivers who had transported their employers to church.

Daniel noticed her staring, and leaned over to whisper. “I’m told it’s the new preacher’s doing. Came from the north to replace the old one that retired. Not too many churches hereabouts welcome the two races to sit under the same roof—even if they are working. At one time, they tolerated a sparse number of them out of necessity, simply because their status as wealthy landowners seemed to require someone to drive them to church. Nowadays, most of the congregation encourage their colored employees to attend an evangelical work they started up down the road. Truth is, if they send them away, they are not required to pay them for loafing around an hour while not actively working,”

“So, for those who continue to employ help on the Lord’s Day, keeping the balcony open suits the needs on both sides. The few gathered up there appear to be happy.” Gwen said.

“They are a seven-day-a-week religious bunch, I’ll say that for them. They’d find a reason to praise the Lord anywhere on God’s green earth. When they can’t go to their own church down-the-way, they don’t mind being up there—claim they are closer to heaven.”

She smiled. “I hope working side-by-side with former slaves will eventually break down some of the barriers and chip away at those out-dated principles that your family seems to boast of.”

“Don’t put me in the McAlister box, Nurse Gwen. I don’t fit in well.” He turned to face the altar as the organ started to play a hymn.

Voices harmonized to offer praise to God, and Gwen’s heart rejoiced as she tuned into the distinctive tones of the worshippers in the balcony. This was a place of hope, where new beginnings could flourish and spread a united gospel message throughout the country. She prayed that man did not thwart God’s plan of accord for His children.

The service was just what she needed. When the preacher began his message, Gwen was attentive, and Jake laid his head in her lap and fell fast asleep. God had sent his son to die for people who did not deserve His mercy and sacrifice, but love for His creation compelled Him.

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