In 1956 I was a student at a small liberal arts college
in Kentucky. The female dormitories were locked promptly at 10:30 pm every
night, with bed checks at 11:30. And we were kept captive until 6 the next
morning. “Not fair”, “A prison” or “We ought to be boys” were repeated complaints.
One might I boldly announced that anyone with half a
brain could easily stay out all night and never get caught. Followed by the
dare, “OK smarty pants, prove it.”
On the chosen Saturday night I carefully positioned and
covered a pile of clothing on my bed and left the dorm at 9:30. For the next
hour I wandered the campus. When the chapel clock rang 10:30 I realized I had
no place to go. All the buildings were locked: the campus went to bed.
Fearing getting caught I sought a hiding place. When I
found an open door to the church I said a silent prayer and slipped in. In the
dark I made my way up the steps to the balcony section. The church pew was
hard; the church was cold; the night was just beginning. Sleep did not come;
noises seemed ominous; the darkness was oppressive. Then light flooded the
church. I sprang up and peered over the balcony barrier. The minister intern, Rev
Thompson, was at the pulpit podium, sorting and arranging papers. When he
shined a flashlight around the church I knew he was looking for me. I slid down
and stretched out on the pew. For what seemed an eternity he fussed, examined,
and reexamined the altar area. I lay silent and scared, aware I was in deep trouble.
Then footsteps, then no light. I was saved.
When I awoke daylight filled the church. I crept down the
steps, out the door onto the street. Just as I arrived at the dorm, Mrs.
Anderson, the house-mother opened the door and greeted me. My heart raced; my
breathing raced: my fear raced. I had been caught. I was in big trouble. Before
I could summon a voice she said, “Well how nice.” I steeled myself for what
would come next. “I wish.” She said, “that more of the girls would run before
breakfast. Good for you.”
“Yes Ma’am”, I said and resaying my silent prayer entered
the building.
