Vancouver (Staunton series) Ch. # XIX Services at Christchurch Cathedral

Vancouver (Staunton series) Chapter # 19

 

Church Services on Sunday, at Christchurch Cathedral

 

 

       On Sunday morning, Ian met Laura, Peter and Selkirk Sadler for the 11:00 A.M Services at the Christchurch Cathedral on Granville Street. Ian had to scramble for some “church clothes” to wear. Everything he owned was for work, including his work boots. He felt uncomfortable among all of the other church goers who were “dressed to the nines.”

 

        “I am sorry, Laura,” said Ian, explaining his clothes. These were all the clothes that I could scare up on short notice. And my boots are the only shoes that I own.”

 

         “Don’t give it a thought,” said Laura. “The Good Lord is more concerned with what is inside of us, rather than what we have on.”

 

         Ian would have kissed her right then and there for how wonderful she was, but knew the scandal for any public displays of affection would be considerable.

 

           “Good morning Peter and Selkirk,” said Ian cheerfully. “It’s nice to see you both without a chisel, hammer or trowel in your hands.”

 

            “Our parents were devout members of this community,” said Peter. “We attend services more out of respect for them than anything else.”

 

            Selkirk was eyeballing the young Phelan girls walking down the aisle.

 

              The Cathedral was actually crowded with all of the prominent members of the Vancouver Anglican community. Across the aisle, Ian saw Mr. Henry (Hank) Phelan come in and be seated with his wife, Jesse and their three charming daughters. At least one of them waved to young Selkirk, making his day.

 

                Reverend William Washington Bolton began services promptly at 11 A.M. Any one arriving after that faced a stoney eyed cleric who would “speak to them later” about their tardiness.

 

               Like all religions, pomp and ceremony laced the service and colored the rhetoric. Reverend Bolton’s sermon centered around moral rectitude in the young. His  comments about the “sins of the flesh” had most of the congregation cringing in their inner selves. Ian wondered at the man’s own piety. He had seen too many rascals wearing those clerical garbs and lecturing others, just before they had a drink or engaged in some other “sins of the flesh.” Still, he knew that all of this was important to Laura. ‘Case closed, pay attention,’ he thought.

 

              After services, Ian and Laura made their adieus and started walking down Georgia Street, towards the new hotel rising on the sky line.

              “This is the place you all work?” she asked.

               “It is, Laura,” said Ian. “Peter, Jim and I are here every day, Monday to Friday.”

 

                   “Aye.” said Laura. I am working every day at Lowry’s. I don’t get a chance to walk this part of town often.”

 

                    “Well, the bank and the new hotel dominate the area, “ said Ian. “ But, I think this area will blossom with business in the coming new century.”

 

                     “And you and Jim will be working up along the river, during all of this?” asked Laura.

 

                         “Yes, I suppose so,” said Ian. “Until we can get the mill working full-time and maybe hire some workmen, Jim and I will have to do everything needed to get the business started.”

 

                      “And there will be time for us?” Laura asked pointedly.

                       “There will be, Laura. Jim knows of my feelings for you. He knows that I will need time to spend with you. I insisted on that when we started building the yard,” said Ian.

 

                     “Good,” she nodded. ”Otherwise, I would have to have a talk with Mr. James Mac Adams about all of this,” she said and meant it.

 

                        “No, “said Ian. Jim thinks he world of you and your family. He would never get in our way, work or not.”

                           Laura could only smile in approval. Round one to her. Several hundred more in the offing.

 

                          They stopped at a small café near the Vancouver Bank. Few businesses were open on Sunday. This one was apparently owned by godless American expatriates, who held no day of the week sacred.

 

                        “I think the lamb in here is pretty good,” said Ian. “Maybe not as good as Lowry’s, but good enough for Sunday.”

                          “That sounds good,” said Laura. “With mint and potatoes, it will be a fine meal.” They placed their order.

                             Jim looked at Laura and said,” Laura, I have a big question to ask you?”

                              “And what is that, Ian?” Laura asked, with pulse quickening and a mist coming to her eyes.

                                “I am asking if you will be my wife and spend the rest of your life with me?” said Ian solemnly.

                             A single tear ran down Laura’s face. “Oh Ian, of course I will marry you. I had hoped you would know by now that I love you and want to be with you always.” The two held hands and looked deep into each other’s eyes, appreciating the love and affection that each saw in the other. It was a golden moment that they would remember for the rest of their lives.

 

                               The meal was served and they talked of their future together. Where would they live and how would they get on.

                                 “Jim and I are about to give our notice to Mr. Conners and start spending our days at the Brick Yard, Laura,” said Ian. “It is a gamble whether or not we succeed. If we fail, I guess I can always go back to laying bricks for a living.”

 

                                    “I and all of the Sadlers hope that you both succeed and fulfill your dreams with this brick yard. Sure, you both have worked hard in making it happen. But if fate says otherwise, I will want you still. “

                                  Ian’s eyes  misted over with the sincerity and affection he heard in Laura’s words.            

                                 “I knew you were the one, the first time I saw you in Lowry’s,” said Ian.          

                                  “Go on with you,” Laura said with a laugh. “You had your eyes on a giant stack of pancakes, swimming in maple syrup, that day,” she said teasing him.

 

                                 “Well of course, I did,” Ian said. ”But my eye was really on the beautiful lass serving them.”

                                   “I noticed you when Jim first brought you to the diner,” said Laura. “I told John Lowry that you were special and I would like to get to know you.”

                                    After that sentiment was exchanged, the lovers sat for a time appreciating being in each other’s company.

                                     “I will let Peter know that you asked me to marry you,” said Laura. “Will you be telling Jim the same.”

                                      “I will,” said Ian. “He will be delighted for us.”

                                      “And if we can arrange it, I would like the marriage service to be held at the Christ Church Cathedral. Mom and dad didn’t live to see this grand Cathedral built. I would like to think they would approve of me walking down the aisle to get married to so handsome a man as you,” she said dreamily.

 

                                         “And when do you think we should have the service?” asked Ian, always the pragmatist.

 

                                         “Well, with what you and Jim have going on, and my job at Lowry’s, I think we would have to wait until Spring, maybe in May or June. What do you think, Ian?” she asked.

                                         “I think I like anything that suits you, Laura,” said Ian, with a broad smile.

                                          The newly betrothed couple walked up Georgia Street, holding hands and acting as if they walked on air. They now were pledged to each other for life. It was the happiest feeling that either of them had ever experienced.

 

            It had been a good day for the now expanding Sadler/ Mac Adams families.

 

                                      -30-

                               ( 1,285 words)

                           Joseph Xavier Martin