A Story Book Collection

By John W. Sangwin

A Storybook Collection is a compilation of ten short stories. While some transport readers to another place and time in history from the Appalachian Mountains to the plains of the Dakotas to Boston, others inspire hope and self-reflection. In "Some Sunday Morning," Sangwin draws inspiration from the work of artist A. Durand to tell the stor

• Language: English
• Publisher: Palmetto Publishing Group
• Release date: Oct 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9798822901551

John W. Sangwin

John W. Sangwin is the author of the Johnny's World series. Now retired from the Port Arthur, Texas I.S.D, he lives in Port Arthur with his wife Pat where he serves as a Bible study teacher at his local church.

Book preview

SOME SUNDAY MORNING

A

s we begin to bring our lens of examination into focus, we discover what appears to be a beautiful morning, possibly mid to late Spring. We know it is a Sunday Morning thanks to the painting’s creator. Immediately to our left is a rather stately wood framed house, whose property has quite a few large trees. They vary, ranging from Oak, Hickory, and Sugar Maple. The most popular tree is on the front lawn just to the right of the house, if you are looking from the dirt road that meanders in front of the house. It is a Red Maple tree, the pride of the Browne family.

Harris Browne and his wife Charlotte had traveled from Maryland with their two children, Jonathan, and Charlene. They arrived by covered wagon only after a frightening ride down the Ohio River to the falls of Ohio and a lengthy trek following buffalo trails and backtracking upstream various creeks. The Browne family were more than ready to settle down when they did. In what became known as Walden Settlement, they built their structures with the help of neighbors.

On this amazing Sunday morning, we join Jonathan and Elizabeth Browne accompanied by their two children, little Mary Browne, and Jonnie Browne. Harris is right behind, alone after having lost his wife a couple of years earlier. Following close behind would be Harris’s daughter Charlene and her husband Josiah Webb.

The family had just finished breakfast and knew they had just enough time to make it to their community church just down the dirt road, they knew this because the Elder Malcolm Hines had just passed by cane in hand. Down that dirt road, they could see fellow church goers congregating in front of the church eager to get a good seat. Of course, no matter when you arrived, you ended up in your usual seat.

As the family crossed the bridge over what was known as the Forked River, since that is exactly what it did downstream, they noticed the river was moving along nicely after having a couple of days of constant rain. Mary and Jonnie ran ahead to get in line behind the crowd as they entered the church. The church was quite rustic, with lofty ceilings supported by large timbers. The church’ s name was the Forked River Church. The Reverend Miles Stanley was Pastor.

Moving further into the painting, we enter the church along-side the many church goers whom I am quite sure have assorted reasons for coming on this specific Sunday Morning. For many, it has become a ritual. To some, it is like taking an essential medication. For others, they are seeking answers to everyday problems. Perhaps, it’s for a fruitful season of crops in the field or a loved one who isn’t well enough to function as they desire or as they desire to meet family needs. Never-the-less, here they are, an assembly of people seeking God and His supreme abilities.

The Reverend Stanley stepped up to the wooden pulpit as the last of his congregation took their seat. He motioned with both hands for the people to stand and said, Will you all join me in singing our newest hymn that we have been learning these past few weeks? He began to sing in a strong baritone voice, the hymn Abide with Me. After the hymn, the Reverend began a prayer. Dear Merciful Lord, we thank thee for your love and grace that ye have so gracefully shown us every day. We praise ye for guiding us safely here to your house of worship this day. We acknowledge your presence here with us and ask that ye hear our humble prayers and allow us to hear those sweet words of comfort and chastisement. Allow us to recall your many promises that we may listen and obey. In the mighty Name of Jesus, we pray, Amen. He then led them in singing the hymn Amazing Grace.

As the congregation sang the Amen, Reverend Stanley motioned for them to be seated. You could hear all the creaks and