What a beautiful place it was. A real 'crag' of strength amidst an evil world indeed.
Mine had the 'Trinity James' in charge. You know, the 'Service Committee', best recognized by the pious look of pain on their faces, the brown smudge of shit on their lips right after the Circus Overseer arrived.
There was gossipping Garbo and the Merry Pioneer Fornicators, Joy and MarySue the racial bigots, And Brice the janitor, expert in hiding his child-labor business from uncle Sam.
Elder Bob, a happy pensioner, who designed weapon systems until he retired, but insisted it was 'not his department'. Used car salesman Bart, who had swindled the best in town, was always quick to counsel those who should get 'closer to Jehovah'. Elder Melvin had two daughters whom he insisted would be cast upon their asses should they ever 'mess up'. And Elder Jon who covered up his childs constant fornication to save his position.
Then there was Sister Blonde who married three times before 21, finally settling on a killer business man who thrived on selling worthless mortgages to Haitians and drove a Beemer to show his success. Her sisters were also multiple marriers - most for money, but sometimes just for good sex it seems.
There was Mary, a woman who regretted her entire life, but rejoiced when it would be better than fine in the 'new system' she was planning for herself. Elder Martin had to move out of town since he could not get along with Elder John, his father in law, a former 'Bethel Man and Circus Overseer' sent out by the Judge himself.
Well, that is just the 'cream of the crop'. Time would fail to mention all the rest of the gang.
Jeff
By way of disclaimer: All persons mentioned above are fictitious. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.