The Sacrifice by William Kienzle Read Free Book Online

won’t be that bad,” Father Tully assured. “We won’t bite.”
    Nan returned to her handkerchief twisting. “You don’t understand. I’m afraid you just don’t understand. Before when we were called to new positions, it was always an Episcopal congregation. There would be differences, of course, but usually only small variations.
    â€œSettled parishes often reflect their pastors. Or rather, they reflect the relationship of pastor and parishioners. The relationship might have been nurturing and tender. Or it might have been adversarial and unpleasant. One accepts such a call mindful of the circumstances.
    â€œBut,” she emphasized, “we all were Anglican Episcopalians! By that very fact, we were bonded together.
    â€œNow …” She hesitated. “There are so many differences …” Her voice trailed off.
    â€œThere’s one thing that unites us,” Anne Marie said. “We are Christians—at least we’re trying to be Christians.”
    â€œThat’s right,” Father Tully said. “And we’ll need that common bond. It just may help that you’ll be taking over the rectory. Rectory living won’t be a novel experience. You’ve done enough of that.”
    Nan’s expression grew troubled. “Yes. After looking over this rectory, I thought yes, indeed: We’ve had enough of rectory life.”
    â€œNot to worry,” Anne Marie said. “Before you even move in, we’ve enlisted the help of lots of volunteers who are going to clean, paint, and repair the old place.”
    â€œIt’s so … enormous,” Nan said wistfully.
    â€œWe thought both you and George would appreciate the space,” Father Tully said. “Unlike any of the previous occupants, you have a family.”
    â€œThree children,” Koesler said. “Two of them are away at the moment. As Nan says, that’s a lot of space. Once upon a time there were almost that many priests living here. And they had lots of room to rattle around.” Father Koesler had not been comfortable at the thought of his former rectory housing a family. But since Mrs. Wheatley had not previously indicated any opposition to the plan, Koesler’s had been the only nay in the voting.
    â€œWe hope,” Anne Marie said, “that the Wheatleys will be with us a long, long time. A few more years and the three children will increase and multiply. What a grand place this will be for family get-togethers.”
    â€œBy the way,” Zachary said, “where are the kids?”
    â€œRichard is here … somewhere …” Nan’s tone was almost distracted. “The other two couldn’t make it.”
    â€œCouldn’t make it!” Zachary intended to discover what could be so important that the two older children wouldn’t break a previous commitment to be with their parents for such a momentous occasion. He was about to press the question when he caught a high sign from Koesler to drop the subject.
    Anne Marie didn’t catch Koesler’s sign. “I suppose this is a particularly awkward time for the older children … one an Episcopal priest and the other in seminary.”
    Nan’s reaction left no doubt that she found this topic uncomfortable. Anne Marie, seemingly unaware,’ continued. “Are many of Father Wheatley’s former Anglican priests here today?”
    â€œNot many, I’m sorry to say.” Zachary, since his sister-in-law was pursuing the topic of mixed religion, felt free to join in, Father Koesler to the contrary notwithstanding. “We made it abundantly clear that this was intended to be an ecumenical affair. Clergy of all denominations were welcome. Of course we were particularly eager for a goodly turnout of Anglicans. But unless things in the rectory have changed a great deal in the last half hour, there’s just a sprinkle of Anglicans. Probably the biggest