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Narrator 1
The Victorian age saw the Church in decay, badly in need of restoration. The floor was raised two feet above the damp that was seeping through
Narrator 2
Yes, the Church was in decay. Pews - with a good view of the pulpit - had been bought by the rich; the poor were shunted to the back of the Church. Was this God's house - a place where position could be paid for?
Narrator 1
But a general restoration was under way, brought about by Abraham Le Sueur, Rector of Grouville from 1851.
Narrator 2
He also cared for the poor and needy, encouraged education for all young children, and took an active interest in the Jersey Female Orphans Home. Here they are to rehearse a lively French song with their teacher - Miss Mary Summers.
(enter teacher, children, and adult congregation to watch them; congregation settle into their places)
Mary Summers
Now, children, as I have taught you.
(A song follows: Le Bon Marain)
Mary Summers
Remain here a while, and be still. Our good Rector will be coming over soon to see you.
(the adults leave, then village children enter peeping out slyly from behind pillar to see if anyone is there, then they come, forward a mock game of tag follows around the church)
(another peal of thunder, flash of lightening is heard)
Peter Briard (loud, cross, offstage)
What’s this I hear?
(Peter Briard, a grim old man comes forward, brandishing a heavy cane, and the dance stops; he grabs one of the children apparently by the arm)
Lydia Walling (the child)
Please, sir. We were only having fun.
Peter Briard
Fun! You call this fun! You mischievous little ragamuffins! This is a Church; it is no place for children. Well, I can see that I shall have to teach you a lesson, you young varmints.
(he raises his stick and the child screams, breaks free and runs. off; enter Abraham Le Sueur, and his wife, comforting the child; the children gather round him, reassured)
Abraham Le Sueur
Now what is going on? Mr Briard, explain yourself.
Peter Briard
Ah, Rector. These young children were making mischief.
Abraham Le Sueur (angry)
So you took it upon yourself to beat them!
(his wife turns to the children)
Mrs Emma Le Sueur
Excuse me, Mr Briard. Come along, my dears. I’ll give you a nice warm drink at the Rectory.
(she leaves, taking with her all the children but one girl, who stays by Abraham)
Peter Briard
There are some that say you have been making too many changes. Trying to change -the position of the pulpit, giving pews to common people, spending too much on the Rectory. And now this; children running around in Church, when they have no right to be here.
Abraham Le Sueur
The children were, perhaps, a little boisterous. But children do have a right to be here. Our Lord himself, said as much: "Forbid not those little ones to come unto me."
Peter Briard (crossly)
Oh very well. I preferred the old ways, that's all I can say. Tried and tested, they were!
(he turns to go, then stops)
Peter Briard
But wait a minute - who is that child? I've not seen her before?
Abraham Le Sueur
This is Lydia Walling. She used to be at the Orphans Home, and has now coma back from England.
Peter Briard
Returned, eh? Well, just you make sure that on no account must she be sent -to the Home until a proper enquiry has taken place. I am Secretary of the Home, and I must insist on this.
Abraham Le Sueur
Come, surely you will give her shelter for the night. You cannot leave her in the street.
Peter Briard
Send her to the Hospital, in St Helier, then. She cannot go into the Home.
Abraham Le Sueur
I am sorry, but I must over ride you on this. It is a case for the exercise of our common humanity. It is not a question of admission, but simply giving a night's shelter to a homeless, friendless child.
Peter Briard
Have it your way then. I warn you: I shall complain - officially!
(storms out; a few second later Mrs Le Sueur comes back)
Mrs Emma Le Sueur
What an unpleasant man! I hope you put him in his place.
Abraham Le Sueur
Yes, my dear. Now come Lydia, Let us get you safely settled at the Home.
Mrs Emma Le Sueur
Not at once, Abraham. The poor child is shattered. Come on, my dear, let's give you some tea and scones. Let's get into the warmth. There's a nice fire blazing away at the Rectory.
(they leave, Mrs Le Sueur holding Lydia’s hand; the Rector and his wife arm in arm; we hear a final peal of thunder)