Chapter 21. A Splendid Sunday
By pre-arrangement, the ladies appeared Sunday Morning wearing their matching blouses and pleated, light-blue skirts. Before leaving for Church, Bob and Dan had them line up, outside, for snapshots. Miriam, in the center, put her arms around her Mom and Jan. After a few snaps, she giggled and said, “Wait, we look like a can-can line. I’ll count. When I get to three we’ll all kick our left leg to the left, and the guys will snap a picture. Then, on three, we’ll kick our left leg to the right and the guys will snap again.” The men complied, and everyone laughed as they reviewed the pics.
Later, at Church, Dr. Angelo presented a Sunday School lesson entitled, “Your Bible is Factual”. He began, “In past lessons, I have pointed out that the Bible is accurate in those passages where it speaks about Creation and Evolution. This morning, I want to give you reasons why I think the Bible is reliable. I’ll highlight some cases where the Bible’s authors penned breathtaking, seemingly improbable, predictions ... and they came true.”
One of the many cases he cited was about an ancient, Persian king named Cyrus. He said, “Israel is the subject of many prophecies. Some of the most intriguing concern the years in which a large number of Jews were captives in Babylon. Isaiah was the first prophet to see the Captivity coming. In a passage that spoke of many great things that God would do for Israel, suddenly, Isaiah spoke of a man named ‘Cyrus’, a man who is famous in history. He was a mighty Persian king. However, Cyrus was not yet born when Isaiah wrote of him. In fact, Cyrus was born about 150 years after Isaiah wrote his book.
“Recording words given to him by the Holy Spirit, Isaiah saw the Lord saying ...
When I say of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd,’ he will certainly do as I say. He will command, ‘Rebuild Jerusalem’; he will say, ‘Restore the Temple.’ (NLT Isaiah 44:28)
As Isaiah wrote these words, Jerusalem was intact, as a strongly walled city, and the Temple, built by King Solomon, was in fine shape. Since Isaiah predicted that a fellow named Cyrus would give orders that Jerusalem and the Temple should be built, his prophecy implied that at some point, in the years between Isaiah’s prophecy and the days of Cyrus, the city and the Temple would be destroyed.
This is what the Lord says to Cyrus, his anointed one, whose right hand he will empower. Before him, mighty kings will be paralyzed with fear. Their fortress gates will be opened, never to shut again. This is what the Lord says: ‘I will go before you, Cyrus, and level the mountains. I will smash down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness — secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name. And why have I called you for this work? Why did I call you by name when you did not know me? It is for the sake of Jacob my servant, Israel my chosen one. I am the Lord; there is no other God. I have equipped you for battle, though you don’t even know me, so all the world from east to west will know there is no other God. I am the Lord, and there is no other.’
(NLT Isaiah 45:1-6)
“We can only wonder how stunned Cyrus must have been when one of his advisors, a man named Daniel, showed him this prophecy about 180 years after Isaiah had recorded it. Daniel was, also, an Old Testament prophet. He had been forced to go to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar when he was a young man. Over the years in captivity, Daniel had acquired a reputation as a wise man of God. He served in Nebuchadnezzar’s court and then in Cyrus’ court. We can almost hear Cyrus exclaim, ‘How did that ancient prophet know my name, long before I was born?’ Daniel must have explained to him the great accuracy of the Scriptures. Cyrus let everyone in his kingdom know of this prediction. As Isaiah said, everyone from the East to the West heard of Isaiah’s prophecy. Hopefully, you, too, are impressed by this uncanny prediction from the pages of the Bible.”
After recounting this story, Dr. Angelo dealt with other fulfillments of prophecy. However, he avoided Old Testament prophecies about the coming of the Messiah, knowing that this was to be the subject of Dr. Bandy’s sermon. He concluded by fielding questions from the audience till it was time to adjourn.
Class being over, Miriam rose to move to the Orchestra Room and prepare for the morning worship service. But, she surprised Bob, Dan and Jan. She took her Mother with her. Soon, they both appeared in the orchestra pit; a striking pair in their twin blouses. Dr. Angelo sat down between Bob and Jan. And, Dan moved next to his Mom, saying, “I guess she just wanted to share her orchestra experience with her Mom.” Beth exuded happiness as she melded with the orchestra.
Just before the morning sermon, the Worship Leader announced a further surprise, “We are doubly blessed this morning. Miriam Smithson’s Mother, Beth, is here today, adding her talent to our orchestra. And, these fine ladies have prepared some special music for us. It should get our minds on the topic of Brother Bob’s message, the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies. They will play a favorite old hymn, ‘Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus’, and Roddy McGiver, from our Church choir, will voice the lyrics. Also, the words will scroll on the screen behind me.”
It was a magical moment. A wave of pride washed over Bob ... and Chuck and Dan and Jan rejoiced with him. The Smithsons were resplendent as they rose to play. Beth evoked the lovely melody from her instrument, while Miriam improvised an intriguing accompaniment based on the alto score. And, Roddy brought home the message with his husky, tenor voice ...
Come, thou long expected Jesus,
Born to set thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.
Born thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to thy glorious throne.
As the music ended, the congregation offered vigorous applause. They were in a receptive mood for Dr. Bandy’s ardent sermon. He urged his listeners to commit themselves to the Way forged by Christ, and several new believers responded by coming forward to profess faith. It was a splendid service. Afterward, Bob, Chuck, Jan and Dan waited for Beth and Miriam in the vestibule. When they appeared, they were greeted with laughter, hugs and compliments.
Dr. Angelo took charge. “Follow me to Charlene’s Grill. We’ll celebrate there till it’s time to see Bo’s murals.”
Beth raised her hand and said, “Great, but I also want to see that painting in your office. Miriam has said so much about it. We must see it too.”
“We will!” Doc exclaimed as he headed for the door.
At the grill, the waitress kept eyeing the ladies’ matching blouses in wonderment. Jan noticed. She said, “We’re a team.”
The waitress persisted. “What about the guys?”
Dan retorted with a grin, “We’re part of the team, too. We just don’t wear blouses.”
The waitress and the team chuckled.
Following lunch, the group convened at Dr. Angelo’s office. “It’s just as you said, Miriam. The painting is fine art, and the depiction of Amy is accurate,” Bob declared.
“It’s a miracle for sure,” Beth added. “This Bo, didn’t know Chuck was in the audience, and, certainly, he had never seen Amy. Surely, God was at work that day.”
Doc smiled and spoke pensively, “Thanks. Sometimes, I think it’s all in my imagination. It’s good to have friends assure me that it’s real.”
“It’s real,” Dan exclaimed. “It’s real. I was there. I saw it happen.”
...
As the team entered the Transcendental Community Center to participate in its Grand Opening Celebration, they were immediately spotted by Chancellor Grigsby. He bustled over, pulling his wife, Ginger, along. “Dr. Angelo ... Miriam ... Dan ... glad to see you! Who are these folks with you?”
Miriam, in a burst of pride, said, “This is my Mom, Elizabeth Smithson, and my Dad, Robert Smithson. He’s a History Professor at Harvard. Mom ... Dad ... this is Chancellor George Grigsby and his dear wife, Ginger.” Ginger gave Miriam a hug.
“I know ... Yes, I know you,” Grigsby thundered looking at Bob. “Last January, I read your fascinating book about the Indian Cultures at the headwaters of the Mississippi in pre-colonial times. It is a masterpiece.” The Chancellor grinned, put the back of his left hand to the right of his mouth, as if he was relating a secret to Bob, and said in a slightly subdued voice, “If you ever want to move to the Midwest, and re-join Dr. Angelo and Miriam, I’ll find you a tempting position.”
Bob laughed along with the rest of the team, as he said, “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”
Dan stepped forward and said, “Dr. Grigsby, this is my Mom, Jan Diederman. Mom this is our Chancellor, Dr. George Grigsby, and his wife, Ginger.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Jan said as she exchanged handshakes.
Ginger impulsively asked, “Jan, how is it you ladies are wearing those gorgeous, matching blouses?”
Jan blushed, and Miriam interjected, “They were made by Jan! You ought to see her at work. Chop, chop, chop ... Stitch, stitch, stitch ... and there’s a beautiful blouse. She’s amazing! She makes all her own clothes.”
“Wow,” Ginger replied. “I wish I could do that. Well, kudos to you, Jan! I’m impressed.”
Chuck spoke, “We’re here to see Bo and his paintings, George.”
“Great,” Grigsby replied. There are seven of them. As you look around this great rotunda, you’ll see they are still veiled. We are about to unveil them one at a time, in seven minute intervals. As I introduce one of them from that rostrum on the huge stage up front, Bo will pull its rip-cord to unveil it. After each unveiling, a group from one of our local high schools will enact an appropriate skit or sing a related song. In fact, we’re supposed to start right now.” He hurried to the stage, leaving Ginger with the team.
Grigsby’s voice boomed forth from the sound system, “Folks, you’re in for a treat. We’re going to unveil the shrouded murals at this time. We’ll start over here to my left and proceed around the room. The paintings depict historical moments in the formation of today’s St. Louis community. The organizing committee for this center wanted them to emphasize the fact that St. Louis has been the Gateway to the West. The artist, Beauregarde Rouseau, who prefers to be called ‘Bo’, will reveal his murals, one at a time. Bo is a local evangelist with a prodigious artistic talent. He is best known for his chalk-talks; he preaches a Gospel sermon while drawing a related picture. My wife and I attended one of these presentations recently. It was amazing. Get to know Bo. Ask him for a schedule of his upcoming events. I’m sure he is eager to meet you.”
A crowd gathered in the vicinity of the first unveiling. As the curtain fell to the floor, a magical view of the St. Louis riverfront appeared. It depicted an 18th century, outdoor marketplace with the Sun still low in the Eastern sky. A wispy fog floated over the river and meandered among the merchants’ tables and booths. Indians were showing lush furs, and buyers were bidding for them. All manner of fish and fowl and game were on sale. And, overhead a misty rainbow, shaped like the present-day Gateway Arch, graced the scene. Hearty applause and cheers greeted Bo, and, grinning, he bowed gracefully.
Bo saw Dr. Angelo and rushed over to shake his hand. “Thanks for coming,” he said.
“No ... No ... Thank you, Bo!” Chuck replied, “This is a wonderful work ... Oh! Let me introduce my dear friends. You know Miriam, Ginger and Dan. Now, this is Dan’s Mother, Jan Diederman, and Miriam’s parents, Elizabeth and Robert Smithson. And, everyone, this is the star of the show ... my favorite artist ... Beauregarde ‘Bo’ Rouseau.”
Handshakes, smiles, and compliments abounded, as a high school troupe re-enacted fishing in the Mississippi. Using large nets, they dragged huge, quivering, rubber fish into their canoe.
The second painting illustrated the day the Lewis and Clark expeditionary party returned to St. Louis after trekking the great Northwest all the way to the Pacific Ocean. The lead boat bore the inscription, “Corps of Discovery”. Sacagawea, the Indian lady who had served as a guide to the explorers, was seated in the prow of the ship, and her young son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, was standing by her side. The boats were crammed with materials collected on the arduous journey. Crew members and the onlookers gathered on the shore were waving and screaming salutations to each other. Again, a misty rainbow, shaped like the Gateway Arch spanned the scene. A choral group on stage sang, “Across the Wide Missouri” as the audience congratulated Bo.
Next, Bo revealed a scene showing homesteaders rolling their wagons off of ferry boats onto the riverbank and streaming West under the mystical Gateway rainbow. On stage, several students played fiddles and harmonicas while others performed a square-dance.
The next scene was of the 1904 World's Fair, the “Louisiana Purchase Exposition” held in Forest Park. In the upper left quadrant, Bo portrayed some athletes racing around the track at Francis Field on the Washington University campus where the International Olympics were held in conjunction with the fair. And, in keeping with the center’s theme, Bo included a glimpse of the Gateway rainbow. Up front, a girl’s chorus sang “Meet Me in St. Louis”.
The next painting showed Charles Lindbergh flying his plane, “The Spirit of St. Louis”, under the Gateway rainbow as he headed to the East coast to embark on his record-setting, first-ever trans-Atlantic flight. A boy’s chorus, on stage, belted out “Lucky Lindy”, a popular song written to salute the event.
The sixth mural was a tribute to “Number 6”, Stan “the Man” Musial, and the St. Louis Cardinals. Stan was at home plate in Sportsman’s Park assuming his characteristic batting stance. The ever-present arch hovered over the bleachers. And on stage, a mixed chorus, dressed in baseball uniforms, sang “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”.
The final panel showed the famous St. Louis guitarist, the “Father of Rock and Roll”, Chuck Berry, performing with his band on the steps of the present-day Gateway Arch. A young Berry impersonator led one group of students in a rousing rendition of “Johnny B. Goode” while others jitterbugged on the stage apron.
As the team and Ginger congratulated Bo on his stunning collection of artworks, Miriam secured a copy of his upcoming “Chalk-Talk Schedule”. She showed it to Dan, looked deep into his eyes, and said, “You are taking me to one of these events. I’ve got to see Bo in action.”
Dan smiled and whispered in her ear, “Anywhere with you is where I want to be.”
The team and Ginger retired to an adjacent room where soft drinks and desserts were in great abundance. Chancellor Grigsby and Bo joined the party. The celebrants moved about freely, sharing their impressions of the new center and Bo’s art.
Chuck approached Jan, gazed into her soft eyes, and said, “I’ll bet you’re tired with all your company and such a busy weekend.”
“No,” Jan replied. “It’s been so exciting. I’m elated. I haven’t had so much fun in a long time.” Then, lowering her eyes, she drew an envelop from her purse, assumed a bashful air, and continued, “A week ago, I wrote down some thoughts about the theory of Evolution. I wondered if you might take the time to read them and critique them. I know you’re busy, but ...”
Chuck didn’t let her finish. He jumped in. “I’m honored that you want to share your thoughts with me. I’ll enjoy reviewing your words and discussing them with you.”
Jan blushed, and said, “Thanks Chuck ... you’ve really helped make this weekend glorious.”
Bob turned to Bo. “Is there any way I can get reproductions of your murals?”
“Yes,” Bo said. “The Missouri Historical Society is going to take high-resolution pictures of them and offer prints for sale. You should be able to buy them in a couple of weeks. Just watch for them on their website.”
“Great,” Bob responded. “These paintings are terrific!”
After a long and pleasant visit, Bob and Beth were wanting to get back to Miriam’s to prepare for their departure in the morning. Bob led Beth to Chuck’s side. The threesome shared a group hug, and Bob said, “Thanks for making this a memorable weekend. You and Jan and Dan have been wonderful hosts. We’re taking off early in the morning, so I guess it’s ‘so long’ for now.”
