Orange Brigade (ii) | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Orange Brigade (ii) | Previous Challenge Entry
By Mildred Sheldon
11/26/09
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It was a bright sunny day birds singing and a slight breeze blowing the fallen leaves. The leaves were dancing merrily in the air to an unheard tune by people. They were rushing to their jobs while trying to keep their hats from sailing down the sidewalk.

Buckley High School at the end of the block was just opening its doors when the first bus load of children arrived. It wasn’t long before the corridors were filled with students, teachers and the housekeeping staff scurrying to their respective places.

Pastor Andrews sons Mark and John were so excited as they made their way to their classroom. It was their first year at Buckley and both were looking forward to becoming members of the, Orange Brigade, the school band.

They hurriedly ate their lunch and changed into their uniforms. At noon the school band gathered at the football field to practice. One hundred students dressed in well tailored uniforms. The jackets were the brightest orange trimmed with gold braid and gold buttons. The pants were jet black with gold stripe down each side of the trousers. The hats were like their trousers and the plumes on their hats matched their jackets. It truly was a sight to behold.

Mr. Caldwell, the band teacher, was strict and demanded their undivided attention. Mr. Caldwell always prayed before rehearsals and called for quiet as he bowed his head. All the students did likewise.

The band raised their instruments and began with the hymn, “Give Thanks,” which set hearts dancing and feet tapping. Everybody enjoyed listening and watching as the band went through their different drills. The new members did pretty well for their first outing.

The Orange Brigade was invited to participate in parades everywhere, and they became known for their abilities to perform intricate dance moves while keeping in perfect step. They brought joy and excitement wherever they went.

Time passed quickly for the twins and in their senior year everything changed. The principal and most of the teachers retired. The school board the mayor and the city council was new. They came from the big city of Sodom. They incorporated a new curriculum and praying was no longer permitted in school. They said this was the last year for the school band.

Everything in Liberty City was changing. The people were told they would have to adhere to the law of the land voted on by the federal government. Church and state were separate.

Early Saturday morning everybody that had lived in Liberty City most of their lives met at the community center. They were going to discuss all the changes that had recently been put into effect. The mayor, city counsel and the school board were present at the behest of the community.

Mr. Caldwell wanted to know what happened to the money set aside for the school band. Where did all the surplus go? The pastor wanted to know why the new ordinances? Liberty City in the past incorporated God into every aspect of their lives because they considered church and state one nation under God. Why change a good thing?

The school board said the schools surplus was used for the new text books. They cut programs they deemed unnecessary, and the band did not qualify as being important to the education of all the students.

The mayor and city council said times were changing, and Liberty City had to get on board with the rest of the country.

Saddened by the turn of events the people excepted the inevitable.

Pastor Andrews church, called Freedom House, was the largest church in Liberty City and Sunday morning found the church full. Every believer from all the other church’s had congregated there.

“Ladies and gentlemen, our nation is in turmoil so pray without ceasing. Have faith and fear not for God is with you always. John 16:33 says, “ I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Ladies and gentlemen stand strong and put on the full armor of God. Christ told of the end times and what would transpire. Hold firm to the teachings from God’s Holy word. We have now entered the 20th century and I am sad to say we must stand firm and be prepared for the terrible days ahead. May God have mercy on our souls. Amen!” Pastor Andrews said.

Scripture NIV

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