UNPLEASANT ENCOUNTER.... the First Baptist church and it's appurtenances occupy nearly two full blocks east of my office. I had walked those two blocks this evening to go to the post office, when I came back out and looked to the west there was a magnificent sunset in progress. As I continued westward walking toward my office, I saw an elderly man on the church steps (there are about 20 concrete steps in front of the main entrance), he was facing away from me, holding on to the rail, slowly and cautiously descending, sideways, one foot at a time, one step at a time, nearing the bottom of the stairs. Rather than startle the old gent, I stopped and waited until he reached level ground, where he turned and espied me. I commented on the stunning sunset and asked if he needed any help getting into his truck parked there at the curb. He stuck out his hand, reaching for mine, then -- with an unexpectedly strong grip holding onto me -- subjected me to a very uncomfortable religious interrogation. I bit my tongue and lied to the fellow rather than tell him what I really thought. So my cordiality and helpfulness led to a very frustrating few minutes... and I missed the last good chance to watch nature's splendorous sunset.