In the back galleries, worshippers heads touched the ceiling. People peered over the balustrade, looking at hats, partings, bald patches. Pew doors squeaked open and shut, as late arrivals were shown to ever smaller squares of seating. Cross-legged children squeezed against the communion cushions. Singers shuffled onto seats. The organist played movements from Messiah. The preacher took his place in the pulpit.

Silence.  

Banners and standards were lowered.

A thousand pairs of eyes turned towards the marble podium.

‘Psalm 127 verse 3: “Children are a heritage from the Lord; offspring a reward from him”. That is our text for today’.

The multitude murmured. The preacher pored over his papers.

No more words came. The choir rose and covered the pr...

Please subscribe to keep reading.