Creekbank Stories Curt Iles, Storyteller
Riding the Cussin’ Bus
When we first moved to Alexandria, I worked as a chaplain for Roy O. Martin Corporation.
My mission field was the two ROM mills near Alexandria. Because of the noise and busyness inside the mills, it was challenging to build relationships. As I got to know the workers, they would open up when in the break room.
Over time, I realized that my ministry at the ROM mills was one of presence. My job was to consistently show up, climb the catwalks, and wind through the plywood line.
One week I had a bright idea: I’d ride the worker bus to the Chopin mill. This bus ferried workers to and from the mill. Riders caught the bus at Roy O. Martin’s main office in Alexandria.
It was a great system for workers with no transportation or to save gas.
One week, I decided to ride the bus to get a feel for how the commuters did.
As I climbed aboard the morning bus. It was still dark, and no one noticed me. I fit in my visibility vest and hard hat.
As daylight dawned, the men woke up and began talking and laughing. Soon they were shucking and jiving.
Now, I’ve been around blue-collar men all of my life, so their cussing and carrying off didn’t bother me. I’d been a high school coach and principal.
I’ve heard it all.
As daylight dawned and we neared the mill, someone recognized that the chaplain was aboard.
It was laughable at how quiet the bus suddenly became. You couldn’t have pried an F-bomb out of any of them with a crowbar.
At the mill, they filed off nodding at me, wincing sheepishly., “Have a great day, Chaplain.”
Over the years, I’ve enjoyed telling the story of the Cussin’ Bus.
You’ll have to help with a spiritual application.
What do you say?
Riding,
Curt
