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WHITE CHAPEL

A little church of white washed wood
back when a few chestnuts yet stood
on a Mississippi forested hill
a place that I remember still

The structure raised by congregation
who worked with little hesitation
to build a place to sing and pray
once a week on the Lord's day

Heated by potbelly stove
with wood cut from a nearby grove
in summer cooled by open window
whenever the breeze chose to blow

the preacher, young and whipcord thin
slow and quiet he'd begin
expounding on Lucifer's blunder
his voice rising like building thunder

He'd slap the lectern with a crack
then doff his threadbare coat of black
as with a practiced baritone
he'd hurl hellfire and brimstone

When he announced which hymn to sing
that old upright would nearly ring
the joyful noise that we would make
surely made old rafters shake

I still his look and style recall
what of his name ? nothing at all
but the seed he planted slowly grew
until right and wrong I knew

Fifty years, a near lifetime ago
but I remember even so
this building and surrounding lands
I wonder if this church still stands

Style / type: 
Structured: Western
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Comments

in these days of mega-churches with congregation in excess of 2000, these little churches in the country are becoming a thing of the past. I'm glad to bring a good memory back to you..................stan

author comment

At first glance, I had a picture in my mind of a church my Mom described in Switzerland,
nestled in the valley, the Alps soaring. She sang in the church, made her Confirmation which in Europe happens (now?) as a young adult.

She never much told me about the church itself, it's people, the pastor, etc. but the image I had was a recollection brought to life by your poem. Thanks Stan.

My mom always said Earth is enough Heaven and Hell.

;-)

~A

I can not help but think a small church is better than a huge one for folks to worship in. Good of you to drop into the past with me..................stan

author comment

It has also been years since I've been in a church for anything other than a funeral or wedding. Mainly because of the sterility of most churches. As always, good of you to come by.......stan

author comment
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