When The Shepherd Is Smitten:

Chapter 1:

It's a Sunday afternoon in Walnut Grove Rev. Alden has just dismissed the children for Sunday school. Rev. Alden asks the adults to have a seat and he announces that he would like to take up a collection for a Church bell. Mrs. Olsen stands up and says, ''We should have a big bell like the one they have in ST. Paul MN., My husband and I will contribute to the bell and the plaque."

Nels gives Harriet a little look. Mr. Kennedy sitting behind the Olsens asks, "What plaque?"

Mrs. Olsen answers, "Dedicating the bell in our names."

Mr. Kennedy answers with a stern voice, "This is God's house and we shouldn't put anyone's name on it."

Mrs. Olsen says, "Well..." and there is a heated discussion.

Tinker Jones the one who has made toys for all the children and can't talk but can hear is standing in the back of the Church.

The adults of Walnut Grove are exiting the Church and Miss Beadle says to Mr. Hansen, ''We could also use the bell for the School."

Mrs. Olsen over hears Miss Beadle and says a big, "NO!"

Miss Beadle asks "Why?"

Mrs. Olsen answers that would be sacrilegious."

Mrs. Beadle replies, "We use the same building why can't we use the same bell?"

Mrs. Olsen just walks away and Mr. Hansen says, ''We may not have a Church or a School."

Miss Beadle asks with a concern look, "Why?"

Mr. Hansen answers, "As big as a bell as she wants it will tip the building over."

Mr. Hansen and Miss Beadle both chuckle a little.

All the town is fussing over the bell and Tinker Jones is just looking at everyone, shaking his head and thinking to himself, ''I should do something but what?"

All the next week the town of Walnut Grove is at odds with each other. Parents won't let their kids play with each other. Tuesday morning at recess a boy comes up to Laura and says, "It's all your Pa's fault for what he said about the bell."

After school Laura goes home and tells Charles what the boy said. That evening they have another town meeting to discuss the bell. The grown ups all act like little children, screaming and hollering at each other. Mr. Kennedy stands up and says, "Forget the bell! Me and my family won't be in Church this Sunday." Then he 'storms' out of the building.

The next Sunday the Ingalls' family goes to church and it is just him and his family and Rev. Alden. Rev. Alden says to Charles, ''I can see the town doesn't want me back."

Mr. Ingalls replies, "That's not true, they will come around."

Rev. Alden answers, "No Charles."

Mr. Ingalls replies, "Ok Rev. but we are having a Bible study at our house next Sunday and you are welcome to come join us."

"Ok Charles, I'll be there. Answers Rev. Alden.

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The following week the children are continuing to go to school but not talking or playing with each other at recess except for after school they all go to Tinker Jones place for Monday afternoon Tinker Jones told the children a plan to make the bell for the Church. So the children help get all the necessary things. Their toys and other things.

The following Saturday Rev. Alden comes into town and stays with the Ingalls. As Mary and Laura are at Tinker Jones place finishing up the bell Rev. Alden is talking with Mr. Ingalls inside the barn. Jack the dog comes in and begins to bark and spooks the horses. One of the horses runs into Rev. Alden and makes him fall over backward over the barn fence. Rev. Alden is unconscious for only a few seconds when he gains consciousness Charles askes Rev. Alden, "Are you ok?"

Rev answers, ''Yes, I will be fine."

Will Rev. Alden be ok?

Will the town have a bell and be a happy town again?

To Be Continued...