The characters and events in this story are fictional and any resemblance to real people is purely co-incidental. The following story may contain sexual or reference to sexual situations. If this is illegal in your area, you are underage or you find it objectionable, do not read any farther and exit now.
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Headed West
Chapter 6
We were all up early and ready for church . Buggies started going past our place headed for church. We had our wagon hitched and ready to go. When we arrived at the church, we were amazed at the number of wagons and buggies in the church yard.
We went inside and found a seat. Soon the minister took his position behind the pulpit. "I am sorry to announce that Sally Young won't be with us today. She and her husband had to leave and will be gone several weeks. Her mother is severely ill. I would ask that you remember this family in your prayers. We will just have to get along with out the organ to accompany us."
Betty rose and asked if she could play the organ. The minister was very pleased and agreed at once.
"I haven't planned any songs for the service. So I will leave it up to you to select any songs you choose," said Reverend Smith.
"Why don't we just let those in attendance choose. Before we get started, I would like to ask Jimmy, Jeff and Gerald to come forward and lead us. Boys, would you like to sing your favorite hymn before we ask for favorite hymns.""Yes, Mother! We were waiting for you to ask!" exclaimed Jimmy.
Betty played the introduction to `Amazing Grace'. The boys came in on cue and started singing. The audience came to their feet. The boys finished the first verse and Betty stopped playing and asked the audience to join on the second verse. I think the rafters started shaking and rattling.
Betty asked for requests and got a good response. She took them in the order that the songs well called out. Finally, Betty announce that she would call a halt to the singing and let Rev. Smith take over.
"Thank you for coming forward and leading us in the singing. I hope that you'll continue to do so until our regular player gets back."
"I am willing to play. Boys will you lead the singing?"
"Yes."
Everyone stood and started clapping.
Mary Ann and I were informed that , the social would be held at our place because we had the biggest barn. There would be a hoe-down and barn dance after the social.
On the way home, we talked about how we had been completely accepted by the whole community and how lucky we were to have chosen this place to settle. This area had everything anyone would want-a school, a church, a doctor, and a little town and all the friendly people. There was a lot of wild land nearby which was loaded with all types of wild game. There was a small river running through the community which had some of the best fishing in the whole northwest. On top of this, the land was very fertile and we could actually live off the land.
"Charley, We must talk with God and thank him for all he has done for us. He brought us together. He gave us 5 beautiful children. He guided us to this wonderful land filled with all the good neighbors that one would ever want. The land is very fertile and filled with wild game. What more could we ask for?"
"Mary Ann, I agree completely. We'll hold a day of Thanksgiving and invite all our friends and neighbors back for another shindig!
Is this the end or really the beginning?