The Doctor Gets a Visitor
by: E Walk

(Copyright 2007 by the Author)
Editor: Radio Rancher
 

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

 

Chapter 31
Baptism Day

I was awakened at 7:00 by a knock on the door. “Come in.” I acknowledged.

“Good morning Doctor Dad; time to get up. Breakfast is ready. Jeff has it in the oven so everyone can help themselves. You are to take his car to the church. He said to remind you that you needed to be at the church at 8:00 to meet with the Ellison’s and Father Gilbert. Spencer was right. You do show good morning wood.” Tyler laughed.

“I suppose you want to see it too. Are all Knights sex fiends?’ I asked, grinning as I got out of bed.

Tyler answered, “No Doctor, Spencer and I have probably seen more sexual activity than anyone else in the house, since we grew up on a farm. Spencer wasn’t excited about seeing you naked. He just thought it was funny that you were so modest, especially since you are always causing other males to get that way, when you do your physicals. You'd better get a move on, or you are going to be late.”

He left and I took a quick shower. Needless to say, I was a little tender in the back area of my body. I was just putting my tie on when there was a knock on the door, “Come in.”

Spencer was standing there, “Doctor Dad, I don’t know how to put this on.” Spencer handed me a tie. “I have never worn a tie before. I showed him how to clip it on and tucked the sides under his collar.

“You sure are looking handsome young man.” I said, as I hugged him.

“So are you, Doctor Dad. Thank you.” he said, as he left.

I went downstairs, grabbed a cup of coffee and a small plate of the breakfast casserole, since I was running late. The young people all took off in the van and Tyler went to the Baxter house to get them. I told Linda and Eric to leave the dishes and we would take care of them when we got back, later.

Meanwhile, Jeff had picked up Drew, and he had been practicing on the organ and said, “Drew, why don’t you sing the Lord’s Prayer with me, as I practice playing it on the organ. Just watch me and when I nod, continue singing.”

Just about then, the young people started to arrive. They set up the keyboard and made sure it was working and then Jeff lined everyone up and said, “This is how I want you to be, when you sing.”

Finally, Tyler and Kevin arrived and Jeff showed them how he wanted them to stand with him and Drew to the side of the other young people, for the second song. “Okay, David and Kenny, start the introduction; we’ll sing just the first verse and then the refrain, one time.”

When that had been done, Jeff turned to the group, “You are going to be wonderful. You all look so professional. I need to go talk to Father Gilbert, for a little bit. You all go to the bathroom and wait in the Fellowship Hall until I start the processional, then I want you to come and sit in the choir seats.”

Everyone nodded, just as Steve Ellison came in and said, “Spencer, we need you and Jeff in Father Gilbert’s office.”

The two guys came into the office with Steve. When they got there, Jimmy was screaming. Spencer picked him up and started talking to him. Spencer turned to the group and said, “I’m going to take Jimmy out and talk to him. We’ll be right back.”

When they came back, Jimmy was quiet. Spencer said, “I told him that you were not going to immerse him Father Gilbert. That's right, isn’t it?” Spencer asked.

“Yes Spencer, we only sprinkle a little water on his head. Father Gilbert answered.

“Mr. and Mrs. Ellison, I think that you should have Spencer be a Godbrother for Jimmy. Since it is a service of firsts, I think it would be totally appropriate.” said Bishop Lancaster.
 

Cindy asked, “Spencer, would you do that?”

“What would I need to do?” Spencer asked.

“The biggest things would be to help him understand the difference between right and wrong, and to help him grow to be a productive person.” Bishop Lancaster answered.

“I would do my best to do that, Mr. and Mrs. Ellison.” Spencer answered. “I’ll sit with you and take care of him until it is time for the baptism and then I’ll go join the others in the choir pew.” Spencer said.

“Spencer, I think you need to hold Jimmy while I do the baptism, and then take him to the congregation when I introduce him as the newest member of our congregation.” said Father Gilbert.

Spencer looked at Jeff who nodded yes and Spencer answered, “Okay, Sir.”

Everyone left but Jeff, Father Gilbert and Bishop Lancaster. He motioned for me to stay also. “Gentlemen, do you want me to change anything since the Bishop is here?” he asked.

Bishop Lancaster said, “Jeff, don’t change a thing.”

“Who is doing the benediction?” Jeff asked.

“Father Gilbert is. I am just going to be a passive participant this morning.” Bishop answered.

“Father Gilbert, before I start the recessional, would you announce that Drew Washington will be singing the Lord’s Prayer today?” Jeff asked.

“Sure, Jeff.” he answered.

“I have to go and get ready. I’m really rather nervous.” Jeff announced.

Jeff went to the organ and I went back to sit with Steve, Cindy and Spencer, who was holding a very quiet Jimmy. Steve leaned over to me and whispered, “You don’t suppose we could get Spencer to come live with us and be Jimmy’s nanny do you?”

I looked at him and said, “I don’t think that is an option. Tyler wouldn’t permit it, and I think Jeff has other plans for him.”

The organ processional began. It started quietly and as Bishop Lancaster and Father Gilbert got closer, it got louder, until they got to the altar. After they turned to sit down, the volume increased and then got very quiet and then it stopped.

Father Gilbert came forward and said, “This morning, we are honored to have Bishop Lancaster with us. It is also special because we have some talented young people who will be providing the special music, and we also have some special baptisms. Let’s sing our first hymn.”

After the hymn, Father Gilbert came forward and said, “Will the Ellison’s bring their new son forward with Doctor Jack Wilson and Spencer Knight?”

The baptisms proceeded and when the newest members were introduced, Spencer took Jimmy and me to Mrs. Tillison, then to Jane and then to Steve’s parents. When we got back to the altar, Father Gilbert handed Cindy a rose and a certificate and he handed me a certificate.

Spencer had been whispering to Jimmy and he handed Jimmy to me and went to join the others in the choir pews.

“Now it is time for our special music.” said Father Gilbert. “I will turn this part of the service over to Mr. Jeff Wilson.”

The young people came forward and lined up. Tyler and Kevin brought out the stools and stepped off to the side. Jeff came to the center and said, “I would like to introduce the Agape Angels. We got together for the first time yesterday, so we might make a few mistakes.”

“This first song is in celebration of the birth of Jesus and tells us all what we should do about it. It is an African American spiritual with lots of rhythm. The group sang Go Tell It on the Mountain, and sung it extremely well; and when it was finished, Jeff came forward and said, “We will be joined by Mr. Tyler Knight and Mr. Kevin Baxter for this number. When we indicate, we would like you to clap your hands and sing the refrain with us.”

They started to sing the refrain to Lord of the Dance. When they finished, Jeff said, “Now, everyone try it.” After that was done, they started to sing and the congregation joined in as appropriate and then when it was finished the congregation applauded.

When everyone settled down and the young people returned to the choir area, except for Jeff, who went to the organ, and Spencer, who came down and reclaimed Jimmy.

Bishop Lancaster came forward and said, “I wasn’t going to be involved in today’s service, but I couldn’t help myself. I am so impressed with what these young people have done. I am even surprised that they came up with the word Agape.”

For you that don’t know what the word means, it means a celebration of the dead in the Catholic religion. In our denomination, we take it to mean sharing your love. With that in mind, we would like you to open your pockets and empty them today, as today’s loose offering will be sent to help the needy children in Africa.”

Jeff started to play the offertory, and the ushers gathered the offering. When the ushers approached the altar, he played quietly as Father Gilbert blessed the gifts.

Father Gilbert went to the pulpit and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, you have already had a lesson on Agape, and the song the Agape Angels sang tells you what you should be doing about the birth of the Christ child. The young people gave a very poignant review of Jesus’ life here on earth. I would like to close this service with a prayer of Thanksgiving.”

He prayed and announced, “Before we start the recessional, Mr. Drew Washington will sing The Lord’s Prayer.”

Drew frowned at Jeff, as he came forward. They worked together and the song came off beautifully. After an appropriate time, Jeff started the recessional and played until the congregation had left.

I went up to Jeff and whispered, “You were fantastic.”

Mrs. Tillison came up and said, “Snacks are ready in the Fellowship Hall, for everyone.” The choir pews emptied quickly. She turned to Jeff, “I have someone here I would like you to meet. Come with me.”

She led him back to where Mrs. Baxter was talking to a man I didn’t know. Mrs. Tillison said, “Buzz, I would like to introduce Jeff Wilson, and his father, Doctor Jack Wilson. Gentlemen, this is Buzz Snyder, the best plumber in town.”

After handshakes, Mrs. Tillison said, “Jeff, tell Buzz what you have in mind for Gracie’s bathroom.”

Jeff explained what he thought should happen and Mr. Snyder said, “Could you meet me at the Baxter’s house at 5:30, and I will bring along a catalog and you can show me exactly what you are thinking about.”

“I can be there, Sir. It is alright, isn’t it Mrs. Baxter?’ Jeff asked.

She nodded yes, “Jeff, I already told you I don’t have money to do it, now?”

“Mrs. Baxter, I told you that the financing will come. You let me worry about the money.” Jeff turned to Mr. Snyder, “We will see you at the Baxter’s house at 5:30, sir.”

Jeff turned around and was met by the Campbell family. Anne said, “Jeff, you were so wonderful. The organ sounded fabulous as did the songs. How come you didn’t tell us you could play the organ, the other day at school?”

“No one asked me, and I didn’t know if the college even had an organ.” Jeff answered. “I’m sorry I couldn’t play the music you had scheduled, but I couldn’t find it. I assume it is in the cabinet there, but I didn’t know where the key was, so I just played things I remembered from my other church and I got a hymnal from one of the pews.”

A young man standing with the Campbell’s said, “I liked the music today better than the boring stuff Mother usually plays. I’m Bobby Talltrees and this is my girlfriend, Kim Lee.”

Jeff shook hands with both of them and Kim said, “You already know my Mother. She is going to be your boss when you are working in the Dean of Students' office.”

Spencer came and said, “Jeff, you'd better come and get some food. I have been trying to save some for you and Doctor Dad, from the vulture, but if you don’t come soon, it will be gone.”

“I will be at the college in the morning.” Jeff said, as we were being pulled away. “Where do you want me to go?”

President Campbell said, “Come to my office and my secretary will have the necessary forms, and then direct you to your other appointments.”

“I’ll see you at 9:00, Sir.” Jeff said, as we left.

While we were walking to the fellowship hall, Jeff asked, “Spencer, where is your Godbrother?”

“He went home to have something to eat, and take a nap. I told him if he was good for his parents, he could sit beside me at the brunch.” Spencer answered.

When we got to the fellowship hall, we were approached by Bishop Lancaster who said, “Young man, you are a special talent. Each time I have seen you is better than the last. You should consider going into the ministry.”

“Sir, I thought about that, but there are too many other things I want to do and besides, I am gay.” Jeff answered.

“And the problem with that is?” the Bishop pushed. “As long as you can control your hormones, there shouldn’t be a problem.”

Jeff looked at the clock and said, “Cleanup crew, get this place cleaned up, so it looks better than when we got here. Go to the bathroom, and be in your places in the choir area by 10:55.”

Jeff left, and when we reassembled in the sanctuary, he was playing the organ and the other young people filed into the choir seats; they looked very sharp.

The second service was even better than the first, and the congregation was even more responsive.

When the service was over, the people were getting ready to leave when a woman, I didn’t know, went up and said, “You young people were simply delightful.” She turned to Drew and said, And you young man, were marvelous. I thought I was hearing Paul Roberson.”

As she left, Kenny said, “Mrs. Tice is probably the best teacher at our school. She teaches most of the math courses, except for trigonometry.”

A tall black man with a lovely wife and two young girls approached the young people. “I hope these new people can play baseball as well as they can sing.”

Kenny answered, “Coach, this is Drew Washington. I think he might fit in as a starting pitcher, and this dude here is S. S. Smith. He played first base on the junior varsity last year.”

“This is Coach Winchester, his wife and their two daughters, Lynette and Lisa.” Kenny said.

“Hey Lynn and Lisa, do you go to church here too?’ Spencer asked.

They nodded their heads, yes, and then he said, “Cool, then maybe you could sing with us.”

Spencer looked up and asked, “Mr. Lasher, do you go to church here?”

“No Spencer. Jane called me and said I needed to hear you young people perform, and I’m very glad I came. You were just super.” Lash answered.

David said, “Hey, good to see you, Coach Murphy. I haven’t seen you here before.”

“Coach Winston called and asked me to come and then we are going to have brunch.” Paul answered.

“I understand that you live out in the sticks somewhere near Mr. Lasher.” Jeff said. “You and he should get together and ride back and forth to work each day.”

Toby asked, “Do you live close to each other?”

They nodded yes, and then Toby started. “Just think of the money you could save, and how much gas you would save for the future. You really need to be more frugal. So what if one of you needs to come early or stay late? You can always get more organized for the next day.”

“Toby, my man, thanks for thinking of this. We will let you know how much money we have saved the next time we see you.” said Lash.

“Good, I’ll see you next Sunday, and I'll want a report then.” Toby said, as he walked away.

Lash said, “Thanks, guys. Toby is correct, and we could surely save some money, as he suggested. See you all next Sunday, I guess.”

To be continued...


Editor's Notes:

Toby is one smart kid, isn't he. I wonder if he knows something the others don't. Once again, another great chapter. I have another one sitting here waiting for me to edit it. I think that is exactly what I will do.

Darryl
AKA The Radio Rancher

 

Posted: 4/21/07