https://Voice.club - “Julie, when choir practice is over, let’s sneak out and do some exploring,” I whisper to my sister.
The final notes of song ring out. “. . .Prai-ses to our King.”
We are in the chapel situated in the Boy’s Building. Although most of this building is off limits to us, the chapel is neutral territory. Overlooking the chapel is a room of special interest and Julie and I quickly slip away and steal up the stairway toward this room.
“Is Mr. Berg in his room?” I ask Julie as she peeps through the open door at the head of the stairs. Mr. Berg is the houseparent for the Wolverines as the younger boys are called.
Julie knocks. “He said we could visit, so I think it’s okay.”
As she opens the door, Mr. Berg’s voice calls out, “Come on in. I’m glad you came up right after choir practice.”
We look at one another as we enter the room. How did he know choir practice was over?
“Girls, come over here and let me show you something.” Mr. Berg points to what looks like a closed window on the inside wall of the room.
“A window?” Julie and I ask at the same time.
“Yes, but a special window,” he smiles.
Opening the shutters we look through with amazement. Spread out below us is the chapel where the rest of the choir is laughing and talking with the director.
Mr. Berg explains. “This is called a leper’s peep. If someone who lives at Jesse Lee is sick and unable to come to service in the chapel, they can come up here to watch and be a part of the service without spreading their germs.”
“Do any of the other kids know about this?” Julie asked.
“Not yet,” Mr. Berg replied, “but I’m sure someone will soon be needing to use it.”
He is correct. Before the week is out, I am sitting at that window, coughing and sneezing while below me the choir sings the song we just practiced.
“Praises to our King.”