River of Fire
Page 25
Chapter 25
Adam reached up and grasped the edges of the tall pulpit. He pulled himself up out of his wheelchair, his eyes sweeping the sea of black and white faces. Market Street Church was filled to overflowing. Newspapers from as far away as St. Louis carried the story of the janitor who gave his life for his pastor. People came in droves, some waited on the church steps for hours to file by Elijah's coffin.
The night before, Adam had sat beside the casket speaking to his old friend. He knew Elijah was in Heaven and could not hear him but he hoped in this case the Lord would make an exception.
"The Lord is doing a marvelous work in the people's hearts, Elijah. Yesterday, Robert Michaels donated his old factory building for the settlement house. As soon as the workers are in the new factory, he will have crews come in to fix it up at his expense. I've spoken to Shane O'Malley in his jail cell. I wish I could tell you he's sorry for what he did but he's not. The police chief says they have strong evidence he killed his first wife. Conway is taking it hard, losing his mother all over again and he is sure they will hang his father. James is really hurting, too. He blames himself for taking so long to find something to bring Shane down with. You would be so proud of him. He and Conway are comforting one another."
Now at Elijah's funeral, Adam's tear-filled eyes swept the sanctuary.
"My friends," he began, his voice choked with emotion. "I stand before you today to honor one who gave his life for me. Elijah gave me a great gift and for whatever time I have left on this earth, I will cherish his sacrifice. He was a wonderful friend who never thought twice about helping someone in trouble. Elijah gave until there was nothing left to give but his life, and then he gave that. If our friend was here today, he would remind you of one who also gave Himself for us and washed away our sins with His blood. According to the 14th chapter of John, Elijah is in his home in Heaven. Are you assured of a place there, or will the mansion that Christ is building for you be empty?"
Knowing the Inquiry Room would never hold them all, Adam asked those who would like to receive Christ as their Savior to raise their hands. People lifted their hands in the air all over the sanctuary, the choir loft, and even into the foyer,. Adam raised streaming eyes heavenward.
"This is your triumph, old friend," he said softly.
That day, Elijah saw one hundred and fifty-seven souls brought into the kingdom.
Feeling it was too soon after Elijah's death, Adam and Victoria decided to postpone the wedding until June 10. Promising to be back the last week of May, Edna returned to Apple Valley. Gertie was as excited as a bride herself and insisted on making the wedding gown. Each night she would seclude herself in her room to sew for hours, coming out occasionally to share a cup of tea with Victoria.
At the end of the week, she brought out the finished dress. She held it up before an ecstatic bride. Tears filling her eyes, Victoria rushed to her room to try on the garment. She gasped at her reflection in the mirror. Made of the creamiest white material, it had a bodice of silk, pearl buttons down the front, a stand-up collar, and rows of lace on the skirt. The long sheer sleeves had cuffs with pearl buttons and a ribbon was tied in the back in a bow.
Victoria felt like the most blessed girl in the world. She had never dreamed she would have such a beautiful gown in her life.
"Oh Aunt Gertie, it's the most gorgeous wedding dress I've ever seen," she said, running out and throwing her arms around the elderly lady.
"No, no," Gertie admonished gently. "Be careful or you'll wrinkle it."
Adam thought there was nothing more to a wedding than standing before a preacher, but he quickly found out different. Aunt Gertie's minister, Pastor Clark, happily agreed to perform the ceremony. Keeping her promise, Edna arrived the 28th of May. Adam had looked forward so much to her coming, hoping to spend some time with her.
Upon her arrival, she was determined to help in any way she could.
"Adam, there's so much to do," she declared, mentally checking off a list and counting on her fingers.
"What is there to do?" he asked innocently, truly confused. "Maybe we can go sightseeing if there's time before the wedding."
"Well, for one thing, there's the guest list."
"Just tell them all to come."
She shook her head, looking at him as if he had lost his mind. A few days before the wedding, James seemed to be as busy as the women. He gave the house a thorough cleaning and supervised the new janitor. He baked for days until Adam thought he was opening his own bakery. The women of the church spent hours decorating the sanctuary. Fresh flowers were arranged in beautiful vases and placed in appropriate places. Candles were put in their holders at the altar, windows washed, and floors scrubbed.
Unable to sleep, Victoria was up at dawn. Gertie finally persuaded her to eat something. She packed, unpacked, and repacked her suitcase so many times Gertie became exasperated with her.
"For goodness sakes, Victoria," she said, "your clothes are going to have a permanent crease."
Victoria smiled. Repacking her bag, she finally left it alone.
Arriving at the church, they met Edna at the back door. She took Victoria's hands in hers.
Stepping back she exclaimed, "My, but aren't you beautiful?" She carefully hugged the blushing girl. "I always wanted a daughter," she whispered in Victoria's ear. "Today that dream comes true."
Standing at the back of the sanctuary, Victoria had a moment of panic. The wedding march was playing but Adam was not at the altar. A movement behind her caught her eye. Supported by James on one side and Conway on the other, Adam stepped up and took his place on her right side. They smiled at each other, tears in both their eyes.
Conway moved away as Victoria took his place supporting Adam on his left side, James on the right. They walked down the aisle.