Betsy's Return by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Author:Wanda E. Brunstetter
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Juvenile Fiction/Historical United States 19th Century
ISBN: 9781607421641
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2009-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

William was amazed at how many people had gathered along the grassy banks near the canal. He recognized several from church, but lots of faces were new to him.

“I don’t see why you insisted that I be here for this,” Mrs. Bevens said through tight lips as she tromped through the tall grass beside him. “I attended services at your church this morning; that ought to be good enough.”

“I thought you might use this time as an opportunity to get to know the people in the community a little better,” he said, patting her arm. “It’s a warm, sunny afternoon with not much humidity, and it’s the perfect day for a picnic.”

“Perfect for the ants and buzzing insects maybe.” Mrs. Bevens lifted the edge of her long, gray skirt and frowned. “If I get grass stains on my dress, it will be your fault.”

William clenched his teeth and kept on walking. He was nervous enough about conducting his first outdoor service, and he didn’t need Mrs. Bevens’s negative attitude to put a damper on things. He spotted Betsy standing beside Kelly and her sister and was relieved to see that she’d brought her zither along.

“Should we begin with some singing?” he asked, moving away from Mrs. Bevens and stepping up to Betsy.

She nodded. “That’s the way Papa always began his services.” She motioned to a log lying a few feet from the towpath. Her father was sitting there with Mike Cooper on one side of him and Sam Turner on the other side.

“I’m glad your father could make it. I didn’t see him in church this morning, so I assumed he wasn’t feeling well.”

“He says he’s feeling better today, but he knew it would be too long of a day if he went to church in town and came here, too.” Betsy smiled. “So he chose to attend this service and the picnic that will follow.”

“Our dad’s here today, too,” Sarah put in.

“That’s right. Preacher Nelson led Papa to the Lord some time ago,” Kelly added. “He’s not as comfortable comin’ into town to the fancy church building, but ever since he accepted Christ as his Savior, Papa has enjoyed the services held along the canal.”

“That’s good to hear. If things go well today, I’ll try to hold services down here on a regular basis.”

Kelly and Sarah smiled, and Betsy fairly beamed. “I’m ready to get started with the singing whenever you are, Pastor,” she said.

William moved over to the crowd of people and lifted his hands. “Good afternoon. For those of you who haven’t met me yet, I’m Pastor William Covington, and I’m pleased to see so many of you here today.”

There were several amens, a few people snickered, and a couple of the canalers shouted, “Nice to meet ya, Preacher!”

William’s cheeks warmed, and he knew it wasn’t from the summer sun. The people at the church he’d attended in Buffalo were so formal and stuffy compared to these plain, simple folks who weren’t afraid to show enthusiasm or say whatever was on their mind.

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