CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN: MY SUNDAY! (4)
"DON'T YOU ALL HAVE FEAR OF GOD?" The adult's voice boomed across the Chapel, and I flinched slightly at the sudden volume. He scanned the room with a piercing gaze that seemed to see straight through every student present. "IN THE HOUSE OF GOD, THERE IS FULLNESS OF JOY. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY MAJORITY OF YOU JUST DO ANYHOW IN THE HOUSE OF GOD!" His tone was furious, yet disciplined, demanding respect from all of us.
I glanced at Victoria and Morayo, who sat upright, trying to match his seriousness, though Morayo's foot tapped nervously under the bench.
"I JUST WATCHED AS MAJORITY ENTERED WHEN IT WAS TIME FOR THE PRAISES, AND THEN, AFTER PRAISES, THEY JUST STARTED LEAVING AS IF THEY FOUND SOMETHING UNPLEASANT HERE!" The adult's eyes swept across the room like a hawk. "IN THIS CASE, THE USHERS ARE NOT DOING THEIR JOBS BY REFUSING TO STOP THEM. IF YOU ENTER THE HOUSE OF THE LORD, MAKE SURE YOU DON'T LEAVE WITHOUT A GOOD REASON! FOR NOW, NO ONE IS LEAVING. I REPEAT, NO ONE, EXCEPT YOU HAVE A GENUINE REASON, OR ELSE YOU WILL CLEAN THE HOUSE OF GOD AFTER THE SERVICE!"
I swallowed nervously, realizing that even a small act of negligence could cost us serious consequences. The discipline here was real, and this wasn't a game.
"As for the new students who haven't seen my face before, I am Mr. Yemi," he continued, softening slightly. "The senior students know me because I work as a teacher in the senior school and as the church coordinator during any Chapel activities." His explanation carried authority, and I mentally noted his name—Mr. Yemi.
He handed the microphone back to the choir. "YOU CAN CONTINUE WITH YOUR WORSHIP." The choir's harmonious voices filled the Chapel as the congregation rose to sing along, creating an atmosphere charged with energy and devotion.
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I was slightly distracted, glancing around when someone asked, softly, "Is anyone sitting next to you?"
I opened my eyes and turned to see a boy standing politely beside me. "No, you can sit there," I replied, gesturing to the empty space. He nodded, thanking me, before settling beside me. I returned my focus to the podium and closed my eyes, letting the familiar melodies wash over me as I sang along with the choir.
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After the worship, a senior student took over for intercessory prayer. I had never realized how long a prayer could feel, my legs starting to ache slightly from sitting in one position for too long.
"I wonder how many minutes the senior spent praying. My legs are starting to hurt," Morayo complained quietly, rubbing at her calf.
"Is it even true? I thought I was the only one who thought the senior prefect took long in the prayer," I whispered, trying not to draw attention to our complaints.
"You girls are just complaining as if it is a bad thing to pray for that long," Victoria interrupted, her voice firm but calm. "Are you trying to say that it's wrong to pray about yourself, your family, or even to thank God?" Her words carried a gentle authority that immediately silenced us.
I hurriedly added, "It's okay… I didn't even want to say what I was thinking," hoping to smooth over the brewing tension.
Morayo, however, was unapologetic. "See, if we are talking, please don't talk. You are just ruining the mood," she whispered sharply to Victoria.
Victoria's eyes widened, her expression caught between disbelief and irritation. "So, you are saying that I am wrong for saying something that's ruining the vibe? Are you even listening to yourself?"
I quickly intervened. "It's okay, stop. Let's just focus on the service," I whispered, hoping to prevent the argument from escalating.
Just as the tension eased, I felt a tap on my shoulder. The boy sitting beside me pointed discreetly at an usher moving around. "The three of you, last warning!" he whispered, before the usher moved along.
"Time for special number. I am going to call names now," announced the senior student in charge.
"Samuel and co!" The call rang out, and the boy beside me, along with four of his friends, stood and walked confidently to the stage.
"Wow, isn't that Samuel?" Morayo whispered excitedly, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
"Who?" I asked, turning to look at the five boys now on stage, trying to figure out whom she meant.
"The fair one," she said, pointing discreetly.
"Three of them are fair, so I don't know which one you mean," I countered.
"The one with blue eyes," she clarified.
"Oh, the one sitting beside me," I said, finally understanding. My curiosity piqued as I watched the boy step forward confidently.
"Hallelujah Church!" Samuel greeted the congregation, his smile warm and inviting.
"Amen!" the congregation responded enthusiastically, and the Chapel echoed with voices in unison.
"We will be singing 'Man of Your Word' by Maverick City," Samuel announced, his tone confident yet humble. He and his friends began harmonizing beautifully. Their voices were melodious, their timing perfect. I immediately recognized the song; my mom often played Maverick City songs at home. The boys had cleverly adapted the beats, making the familiar tune feel fresh and engaging.
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"Thank you!" one of the fair boys concluded as the song ended. The applause was loud and genuine, filling the Chapel with a tangible energy. The boys returned to their seats, waving lightly to their classmates.
I smiled, feeling a sense of admiration and enjoyment. Their talent was undeniable, and it added a layer of excitement to an otherwise structured service.
Samuel, now back at his seat beside me, turned and offered a warm smile. "Nice voice!" I complimented him, feeling slightly bashful.
"Thanks!" he replied, genuine and friendly. "I am Samuel."
"I'm Floral," I introduced myself, shaking his hand lightly.
"Don't tell me you're doing what you shouldn't be doing?" Morayo whispered in my ear, her tone a mix of teasing and curiosity.
I chuckled softly, trying to ignore her comment, though a small part of me felt caught between amusement and embarrassment.
The service continued with a structured blend of praise, worship, intercessory prayers, and Bible study. I found myself slowly getting used to the rhythm of the Chapel—the discipline, the music, the energy, and even the occasional tension. Everything felt intense but meaningful, and I realized that Sundays here were not just about attending church—they were an experience of faith, culture, and community all intertwined.
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By the time the special numbers ended and the service moved into Bible study, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. Despite my earlier nervousness, I had begun to appreciate the order and energy of the Chapel. Observing Samuel and his friends, Victoria and Morayo, and even the strict ushers, I realized that this was a space where discipline and joy coexisted. It was a unique rhythm, and for the first time, I felt like I could be part of it—not just as a new student, but as someone willing to learn, observe, and maybe even enjoy the structured chaos of boarding school Sundays.