In Heavenly Love Abiding
Blood Shot“In Heavenly Love Abiding” is the closing hymn at Nancy Cleghorn’s service. Its slow, strained organ performance marks the service’s end and places Art Jurshak Jr.’s departure immediately after its final chords.
Performance at the Service
The hymn is sung after the minister has spoken about Nancy. As the organ draws out its last chords, Art sits perched on the edge of his pew, gripping the bench in front of him. When the music finally ends, he slips out and heads for the exit.
Narrative Placement
The hymn provides a precise transition from the service to the encounter outside: the narrator catches up with Art on the porch, where he is moving nervously and struggling to get free of a drunk panhandler. The closing music thus frames his quick exit without explaining it; his posture and immediate departure leave his response to the service open to interpretation.
