The Preacher's Dog

    

               Atop of the hill right beside the small country church sat a small house. This was the house provided for the Preacher and his family. It was considered part of the Preacher's income. Being a small country church of no more than twenty-five families, the amount paid the Preacher was very small. In fact, to provide for his family, the Preacher held a full time job during the week at a near-by lumber yard about twelve miles away. But the love of preaching kept him preaching during the week at the church. After taking the job, the Preacher had gained a love for the church and its parishioners. He couldn't see himself leaving for more money.

               Every Sunday the Preacher began his sermon. Inside the church sat family and friends of whom all the parishioners had become. In the back of the vestibule of the church sat another friend and family member. It was a dog that was there every Sunday listening to the sermon. He had come down the hill with the family and stayed there until church dismissed. Everyone knew him as the Preacher's dog. His name was Duke. And when asked of how the dog got his name, the Preacher replied,

               "I named him after someone famous." And that was it! Duke was allowed to stay. He sat there listening to what appeared to be every word the Preacher said. The story was that during the week in preparing the Sunday sermon, the Preacher practiced his sermon. Who best to practice on than the dog he loved so. And now as the sermon was being delivered, it was joked by all that Duke came to see if it was done right. Once service was ended, the Preacher walked to the back of the church to greet everyone as they were leaving. Rising from his laying position, Duke stood beside the Preacher. He was not without receiving an occasional pat on the head by those in attendance.

               Once the last member of the church left, the Preacher and his family left the church and walked back to their house atop the hill. Running along beside them was Duke. Upon the porch, Duke found his bed and lay down to nap. But for Duke his work was not done. If any parishioners came, Duke would jump up to greet them with a wag of the tail and a bark to let his master know someone was outside.

               When Duke passed away, a small burial site was provided beside the small church. Duke was laid to rest and is still there today. The Preacher and his family have since moved. It has been some forty to fifty years now. With the upkeep of the landscape, the grave site of Duke is maintained as well.

               And so, the story of Duke still lives on. He's still there listening to that Sunday sermon.