Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1910-06-21


sion. But It was matter Of great
marvel to his friends that one who
had shown such q marked preference
for the material should find out, 80
suddenly, that the spiritual possessed
superior attractions for him.
Long before he left the seminary
Pomeroy began to manifest pas
sion for everything medieval. In an
incredibly short period he became
an authority on all the theological
doings Of those interesting ages when
Journalism cut such prominent fig
ure in public worship. In his second
year he had achieved the reputation
of being inclined to asceticism, al
though when questioned he limited
loosely that growing tendency to
adiposity was responsible for his APP
parent loss Of appetite. In his last
year 1t was current that he had de-
veloped into mystic and it was hint.
ed broadly that he wore hair shirt.
When the latter piece of pious gossip
came to his ears he denied that he
had awaited himself Of that aid to
sanctity.
Being bright and scholarly and ex-
way, it was only natural that, both be-
fore and after ordination, he should
have abundant opportunity to place
himself advantageously. He might
have made selection from halt a
dozen curacies which promised allur-
ingly in the way of speedy promotion,
boundless social possibilities and what
not, but he amazed and almost dis
gusted his friends and relatives by
choosing as his field of labor one of
the most inconsequential parishes on
Long Island, small seashore village
which, for three or four months of the
year, was kept awake by the combin-
ed efforts Of score Of cottagers and
the guests of summer hotel on the
beach, and hlbernated during the re-
manning months. Eel Inlet was the
name of this undiscovered hamlet.
It is probable that the chief reason
for the young mans strange prefer
ence might have been found in the
fact that one Of his predecessors had
begun the erection of a tiny stone
chapel at Eel Inlet, Of design so
chastely Gothic that its moyen age
perfection had inspired the Rev. Bede
out to completion Although the
walls were rooted in temporarily so
that services were held in the struc-
ture. it was far from finished and all
work on it had ceased long ago for
lack of funds. All interest in it's COM
pletion had died out long before the
new rector had ever heard of Eel In
let, and the earnest and imprisoned
appeal for funds to finish the build
ing which he made on his first Sunday
fell on unsympathetic ears.
ooh, we wouldn't have anything
done to it for the world" declared
one of the cottagers. tits so exquis-
itely picturesque just as it stands
like ruined chantry, you know"
Disappointed but not silenced, the
rector determined to continue in his
effort to finish the little sanctuary.
1t would require $4,000 and he was
still in debt for part of the expenses
of his education. All he could do by
his own personal effort was to persist
in his endeavor to move some stony
heart to spasm Of generosity.
One Sunday afternoon in late sum-
mer, after the service was over and
the small congregation had gone it's
way, he stood in contemplative
mood on the chancel steps, trying to
picture to himself how the choir
would look when completed. All at
once he realized that some one was
standing behind him.
isn't it beautiful" asked timid
voice. He turned quickly and faced a
young woman.
Its the best specimen of pure
Gothic on Long Island, incomplete as
it is" he answered.
She was slight young woman In a
simple white gown. The rector did
not know her and he had not noticed
her in his congregation. His face
must have expressed his inability to
place her, for she seemed slightly en-
barrassed.
II don't belong here. l have never
been inside the church until this after
noon," she explained.
care you a stranger to Eel Inlet?"
he asked, with proper show of inter-
est
"This Is my third summer" she
said, "and l am very late this year.
came here only last night"
Indeed" he returned, as If that
was all that could be expected OF him.
Then he remembered his duty as
rector and added "Strangers are al
ways very welcome to come here"
Thank you," she said. II should
like to come regularly. expect to
remain here until rather late in the
season. should like"-she hesitated
and seemed at a loss to find the
wards-'I should like TOTO help fin
ish the chapel"
He inclined his head slightly in &C.
knowledgement of her praiseworthy
aspiration, for he did not suppose that
it amounted to more than that.
"How much will 1t take?" she con-
tinued.
Five thousand dollars"
She sighed and he accepted it as a
sign that her enthusiasm was about
over. He was certain OF it when she
bowed and left him without another
word
About noon of the following day he
received check for $4,000 made pay
able to the order Of the Rev. Bede
Pomeroy. It was igned Flora TIL
linghast," and little memorandum