Walking By an Old Church

Before passing it by
I take a new look at the Gothic design of
a church which has stood here for decades

before my generation was born.
Its bell tower rising above most downtown buildings.

Without a thought to which denomination
I recall the many times being stopped in
my tracks allowing a wedding party
the pleasure of

packing the bride and groom into a limousine -
taking them to a getaway and a joined life.

Having never seen its congregation on a Sunday
I pondered on how many
- how wealthy - how a minister drew
hundreds from far-out suburbs.

I decide that an organized church in
old downtown might well be
a satisfying substitute

for the family we left behind - providing
a place to serve in
some way those we had moved beyond
- perhaps a conscientious soother for some.

In doing so we might find persons who deserve
help in becoming worthy citizens, again..

I turn around to face the magnificent building offering and maintaining
activities and programs allowing mankind to perform at its best.

A silent petition to whatever power was made
that this church may stands for centuries more..


F William Broome 2009