Читать книгу Sing in the Morning, Cry at Night - Barbara J. Taylor - Страница 12

TO KEEP AWAKE IN CHURCH

To keep awake in church when inclined to be drowsy, lift one foot a little way from the floor and hold it there. It is impossible to go to sleep when your foot is poised in the air. This remedy, though simple, is very effectual and never fails to keep a person awake. —Mrs. Joe’s Housekeeping Guide, 1909

Let the Catholics sprinkle their babies. At Providence Christian we baptize by immersion, the way the good Lord intended. We used to “dunk” in the Lackawanna River. Had to cut away the ice in the middle of winter. Now we have an indoor baptistery. Souls can just as easily be saved near a modern coal furnace.

We try to help out wherever we can. Last fall, after Pearl Williams’s husband took up with that trollop from Bull’s Head, dark-skinned, I-talian most likely, we organized a pound party. Asked folks to donate one pound of food apiece to get the Williamses through winter. Members of Providence Christian did not disappoint. Pearl got herself enough flour, sugar, and canned goods to last a year. And we’re happy for her, even if she didn’t think to share her bounty with those of us who toiled on her behalf.

Missionaries, evangelists. We feed, house, and raise money for them all. There’s talk Billy Sunday might come to Scranton to preach next spring. Now that would be a thrill. Played outfield for the Chicago White Stockings before he found Jesus. Had his picture in the paper just last week. A fine-looking man, even old Miss Proudlock says so.

Wish we could do something for that poor Morgan girl, though. Traipsing all over town with that little Polish boy. Just makes matters worse. Most likely lonesome for her sister. Then again, growing up in Daisy’s shadow couldn’t have been easy. Never knew a more perfect child. Those eyes. That voice. And smart as a whip. It’s a wonder Violet wasn’t more jealous, if you ask us. She did have one advantage over Daisy, though. Never knew a child with more promise at the piano. Of course, that’s all over now. Has to be.

Tending to the needs of our flock—that’s our mission. Probably the same for Catholics, Episcopalians, even Jews. We’re proud to do the Almighty’s work. It’s the Christian thing to do.