The Casting Out of Spirits

I don't know why they've asked someone else to play the organ.I've been playing organ in this ward for forty-eight years. When first learned play, had pump air through pipes with my feet on bellows, up and down, one then other. My calves rippled stockings like an Olympian. played when was placed modified bed rest during pregnancy Ellie, George push me rostrum a wheelchair help onto bench. at George's funeral, fingers creaked beginnings of arthritis tears blurred notes page. But walk into church today book music, feeling better than have years, what do see? Little Julie Nielson sitting organ, fumbling her left right.I'm not make scene. So, after initial shock, decide sit front row so can lock eyes bishop every time Neilson girl plays wrong note. reach pew, force habit takes over keep walking. Up steps. To organ.I stand behind while, watching play. She isn't using foot pedals. Most people these days. there's little button right-hand side that says “BASS CUPL,” if you toggle it, it voice programing from bass line lower half keyboard. So try be discreet. down bench next whisper, “You need enable coupler.”Of course, she can't hear me—the is far too loud prelude music. myself. looks confused change but keeps Then, since sacrament meeting Beatles concert, volume myself pedal.It seems everything under control, leave. starts “Called Serve.” As Can believe it? With thumping along. Bum bum bum. It's atrocious. “Be Thou Humble” much hymn. And key C, she's likely miss many notes.So turn stops whips head around.“What are you—”She confused. Maybe should more sympathetic. fault mistakenly organ. smile. “I'm here take you. I'm just giving few pointers.”Julie turns back hymn book. must realize song choice better, because plodding Humble.”I'm starting pews Bishop Clements stands begin meeting. (right middle verse no resolution musical phrase or anything), rather call any undue attention myself, choir seats organ.The opening “The Spirit God.” quite familiar song. ninth preset 4’ Clarion 8’ Dulciana voices added Great manual really give melody great ringing emphasis “We'll sing, we'll shout!” It feel jubilant! Alive!When fifth preset—one use quieter hymns—I audibly groan.Changing recommended, measure this, lean preset. The sound blasts pipes, jumps bit change. fine until tempo drag. tap her, hoping encourage faster. doesn't. even glances sound.Finally, four verses (and eight-and-a-half minutes), finishes. After prayer, going Julie. all, perfectly capable fulfilling calling. slide excuse before say anything, again.“We item business. We'd recognize our new organist, Nielson.”At shocked right there, pedals, sending cacophony out across chapel. gather wits quickly down. his shoulder Julie, who shrugs. shocked! never released still stewardship congregation—or their ears, least.Bishop congregation clears throat. “And we'd aware passing Sister Eugenia Gordon. Funeral services will held Friday.”I funeral.“Sister Gordon shared talents us past forty years—”It forty-eight.“—and it's customary, think would appropriate offer vote release, thank service All those wish so, please show by uplifted hand.”The hands all high, wall tabernacle. smile creep me.Because now Let keys.But enough about me. Tell place.Do organist?