The Deacon

By Doster Fitzgerald

My book could be called comical. It may be controversial. The story line is remembrances beginning in 1948 in my church. The very first time I went to church they were having 'preacher calling' business. I remember vividly the actions and reactions of that meeting weren't pleasant to my young ears. The book comes from memories of mine and the so-called gossip concerning people in church covering most of Georgia. I have had the honor of singing in hundreds of churches and having the opportunity to listening to members in these churches and their local happenings. The names of writing are fictious and have no resemblance to any one person or family. The local church is a hot bed of information. The story lines have been passed on to me through word of mouth. I have picked notes from the so call television evangelist. You read my book and take it as an art form of southern literature and culture of the bible belt.

Some of the hilarious things in my life was the incident of the Deacon tossing the songbook at the preacher.  Another that caught my ear was the Deacon made operational a liquor still in his hog barn. There are many, many tales brought forth to enlighten you the reader!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Raised Bridges
• Release date: Jun 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223948032

Book preview

Chapter 1

T

he entrance door of the office building is open to the Colonial Power office at regional headquarters in Americus, Georgia, on Friday, June 15, 1958. Wash Larsen, a lineman for the electrical power company, enters as directed by the letter he received for an appointment time of 9:00 A.M. He has a conference on a possible transfer from the Coolidge, Georgia, branch to the Milton branch office. Wash has been in Coolidge for three years as a lineman for the electrical office in the district. Wash did have prior knowledge of the possible transfer coming to him since he was the senior worker for the branch office. In his mind, he knew something was happening because a senior lineman always receives the option to transfer or remain in branch offices without the area office intervening! The branch manager only gave him the registered letter!

Dora Sammons was the secretary for Area Manager Vance Battle. As Wash Larsen presents the letter to her, she leads him directly into the main office. Mr. Battle stands to greet Wash. Dora closes the door and exits. She knows this is a confidential meeting between a worker and his area boss. Vance extends his hand and greets, It's nice to see you, Wash, and how is your family?

Wash answers in return, They are doing very well, sir!

Battle asks the employee to sit and says, Make yourself comfortable. This will not take long! Vance sits and opens a file with Wash Larsen written at the top of the folder.

Then he begins the meeting. Wash, you have been summoned to this office. Information covered in these papers should be kept private between us. Do you understand?

Wash responds in a suspenseful voice, I know, sir, and I appreciate your concern!

Vance Battle pulls a letter from the file, beginning the conservation. Wash, this letter is from a person in Coolidge. This person accuses you of making advances toward his wife on a work project at his home. He pulls out another letter and begins to talk.

Wash interrupts and asks, Can you tell me who the person is?

Vance, Wash, you don't have the right to his name unless you wish to take civil action, which is very expensive. Let me remind you, Wash that you work for a private company, and your work ethics are part of the culture. You assume the company's role in your community as an employee.

Wash speaks, Mr. Battle, how many letters do you have in my file?

Vance relates, There are a total of three. You know about this, don't you?

Larsen wiggles in his chair and begins with an answer. Mr. Battle, I know what the other letters contain, and I am truly sorry for the problem I have caused with this issue. I appreciate you giving me a chance to keep my job. I need a new chance in life. This has been troublesome for my family. I have let them down!

Mr. Battle speaks, Wash, there is no problem with your work. You do an outstanding job as a technician and lineman, which is exactly why we are giving you a transfer. However, you must get some sort of guidance. I recommend you check in with our social counselor in Americus. I think Milton will be a good move for you!

Wash looks toward Battle and says, I think I can handle it. When I report to the new location, I will become involved in the church and civic organizations. I really believe that will help me in the long run! Vance closes the file and hands Wash a consolatory letter to acknowledge and sign. The issue concerning the conference is on the paper, and Wash is instructed to meet with Mr. Vance again in ninety days to evaluate his successes!

Mr. Battle informs Mr. Larsen, This file will be closed unless there is another issue. The security of your job is directly in your hands. You must be a gentleman toward the people we serve. Do you understand me? 

Mr. Battle and Wash exchange farewells as Wash exits the office. He doesn't bid farewell to Dora. He quickly makes the front door slam as he walks down the sidewalk. Wash was relieved that the area manager was allowing him to transfer. He steps into his old GMC pickup and drives toward his home in Coolidge. The ride home was relatively smooth, but he couldn't relieve his mind from the guy who reported him. Then he suddenly realized he must care for his wife and three children. He must take heed and follow the instructions Mr. Battle laid out! The truck ride gets lengthy for Wash. He remembers the incident that was discussed. He begins to think and knows he is only half the problem. The woman had a desire as well. His mind mirrored the time and circumstance. Thinking there was no way to resist! Then other events occurred, and it took a lot of work to avoid admiring the beautiful woman. He was an exemplary employee but had a weakness toward beautiful women.

Coolidge was in sight as the truck traveled forty miles an hour, nearing the city limit sign. The G.M.C was his Dad's farm truck, and George Larsen had died five years earlier. Wash's mother was sitting on the porch swing tending to his children; Josh was four, Mary nearing three, and Lee was about ten months on a porch pallet. Wash slammed the door on the truck and walked the narrow path to the porch. His mother, Sara, was fifty. Wash's wife Martha was working for the local shirt factory. Sara owned the house and the sixty-five-acre farm. The farm had sixty acres of tenable soil, leased to first cousin Raymond Oliver who did his farming with a Ford tractor. Wash tried to farm the place in the past, but his mother made a halt when he failed to make the land payment. Wash spent some time looking for a job and finally, after six months, landed the job with Coastal Power.

Wash embraces his Mom. She is concerned about the meeting! Wash, Mom, I have a transfer to the Milton Branch office. I wasn't able to change their mind. I suppose it is due to the company's expanding business! He dared never to tell his Mom the truth about his predicament. In fact, he would never tell Martha. He could not tell anyone. It was just company expansion to him! He knew there would be gossip, but he would claim it was just ole women talking at the beauty shop. He tells his Mom, I suppose Martha and I will travel to Milton this weekend to search for a house or an apartment. I am happy the kids have you. I could never repay you for your effort in caring for my children. I hope Martha can find a job when we move. We probably will be lucky to locate a caretaker for our children. Bless your heart, mama! Sara begins to cry, I sure will miss them. I'll miss you and Martha! 

Martha punches her time card at the Coolidge Shirt Factory. The company is a sewing facility for pattern-cut cloth to make Sunday-dressed shirts for the entire southeastern United States. Martha's job is folding the newly formed shirts for shipping. Martha has been employed for eight months since she birthed Lee. She began working for the minimum wage of $1.15 hourly, but now she has substantially progressed to $1.85 per hour. The gross amount on her check is $ 74.00. After the deductions, her take-home pay is $ 62.95. The work was tiring, but it was enough to pay for groceries, the monthly electric bill, and to keep gas in the ole G.M.C. and her car, a 1952 Chevrolet two-door sedan. The Chevy car pulls in behind the truck. Martha is happy to be home for the weekend. She has yet to learn of the plans that have already been planned for her. The older children run to greet their Mom as she walks the narrow path to the porch. As she climbs up the steps, she reaches Wash and makes conversation with Miss Sara, How did the kids do today, Grandma? I trust they minded you! 

Sara, Honey, they were wonderful. I had no trouble with them. Lee is the sweetest child any grandma could ask! Then Martha edges toward Wash and gives a hug, then inquires about the meeting.

Wash is reluctant to talk, but soon he gives his side of the story, Honey, the company is in a growing phase, and they want me to transfer to Milton, Georgia, for work as a lineman and technician in the branch office. This is a promotion for me. This means more money and a company truck!

Martha turns her head, I thought we were about to get our feet on the ground with my job and yours with granny, caring for our children!

Wash goes off into a lengthy speech, If we are ever going to get ahead, we must take the promotions as they present themselves. Now don't fret. Everything will be okay making a move!

Granny becomes involved in the conversation, Wash, that means I will not see my grandchildren and probably have to sell my farm to live. The rent money is not enough!

Wash responds, Mama, I must take this opportunity for a chance at a better living for my children.

Martha walks into the kitchen seeking a drink of water. She sits at the dining room table to remove her work shoes, thinking, I have worked that dang job for my family, and now I must quit and lose the good money.

After a few moments, Wash follows her, We gotta travel to Milton this weekend to locate a place to live. We may spend Saturday night in the town. They have given me two weeks to settle and begin July 1!

Martha rises, rushes to the bedroom, and closes the door. She thinks I must have rest to consider the situation!

Wash walks to the barn shelter to check the farm trailer, thinking it and the truck together will carry all the necessary furniture and items. Wash realizes they can purchase appliances with the Coastal Power office in Milton! He worries about being able to locate an affordable place to live. He has yet to learn the size of the town of Milton. He realizes time is not on his side to move his family, settle in the new city, whatever the size! Wash returns to the house to assist his Mom in preparing food for the children. He loves her. He knows he can never tell anyone the real reason for the transfer! The children are treated with freshly cooked food and dressed for their bedtime since it's nine o'clock. 

Martha exits the room as the clock ticks ten o'clock, talking to Wash and Sara, I am ready to make a move. We will visit Milton tomorrow. I think there is more to the story you told Granny and me! I know Saturday and Sunday are your days for visiting and church. I hope you will help us this weekend with the children. I am so sorry for your inconvenience!

Miss Sara answers with a hug, Darling, don't worry about me. I have been here fifty years. I am not one to worry or fret!

Wash exclaims, Mom, if you get in a tight about money, I will help you all I can. Don't worry!

The family moves to their bedrooms. Wash and Martha pack for the trip to Milton. Their contention is that with an early rise, they could arrive in three hours and return home by dark if they locate a reasonable place. Wash is in bed as Martha is slipping on her nightgown. Wash makes a pass toward Martha, and she backs off, I am at the high point of the month, and we don't need any more children. We barely give our three what they need, so you stay on your side. However, I am not completely satisfied with this quick move! The night passes, and early morning arrives. The couple drinks coffee, eat a bite, and head for the door without disturbing the household. As Martha walks the narrow walkway to the car, she silently prays that everything will work for the Larsen family! 

Chapter 2

W

ash and Martha Larsen travel through several counties to Milton, Ga. Wash notices his mileage counter all the way to the town. The mileage meter reads 110 miles. As they approach the Northeast Georgia town, rolling hills appear with pine trees planted in fields and small areas. Wash announces, I haven't noticed any farming for fifty miles. These folks are probably working in the factories!

Martha, I enjoy these hills, Wash. I sure hope everything is okay for our family! Wash and Martha decide to contact a real estate agent to assist them in locating a home. Wash drives the car into a filling station to ask the service attendant for a real estate office.

The attendant is standing near the pumps. Then he walks to the car and asks, What can I do for you, sir?

Wash quickly tells him, Fill it up and check my oil! The young man goes about his work. Wash questions, "Young man is there a real estate office in Milton?

The attendant answers with a single word, Yes. 

Wash continues, Can you tell me the location? 

The young man points toward the street and says, You see the red light. You take a hard right, and Marsh Realty is two blocks on the right. You can't miss it! The young man has checked the oil and is now pumping gas into the car. The meter runs slowly, and then the gasoline tank guzzles with the sound being full. Wash views the pump meter showing ten gallons with a total price of $1.90. The attendant returns to the driver's side. Wash hands him two one-dollar bills telling him to keep the dime. The attendant thanked him, I can buy two Coca-Colas. Thank you again, and if you get lost, return here, and I will send someone to direct you. Wash and Martha give regards.

The directions to the realty office are precise, as the young man said. The company has no parking lot, but there are plenty of sidewalks. The only drawback is a parking meter which requires a nickel to park for an hour.

Wash puts in a nickel, and they walk to the business entrance. They open the door and see a young lady seated at the front desk.

The lady asks, May I help you? My name is Tillie Marsh. My husband John and I own the realty company! Wash and Martha introduce themselves. They tell their need. Mrs. Marsh rises and then leads them to a table with several papers and brochures. Tillie explains, "We have rental property