"As Gold in the Furnace" : A College Story

by J. E. (John Edwin) Copus

"As Gold in the Furnace" by J. E. Copus is a novel written in the early 20th century. It follows the life of Roy Henning, a college student at St. Cuthbert's, who is grappling with personal struggles as he contemplates a significant shift in his life choices, deciding to withdraw from sports in order to pursue the priesthood. The story delves into themes of friendship, integrity, and sacrifice as Roy navigates his evolving relationships with his peers, particularly in the face of misunderstandings and societal expectations. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Roy Henning, a popular and athletically gifted student who shocks his friends by announcing that he will no longer participate in college sports. This decision, stemming from his desire to enter the priesthood, is met with disbelief and banter from his peers, particularly Jack Beecham and Andrew Garrett. As the opening chapters progress, the plot unfolds to reveal the emotional turmoil Roy experiences as he keeps his true motivations hidden, contending with skepticism from friends and family, while also facing the challenges of rejection and the burden of his choices. The tension escalates as Roy grapples with a significant crisis when a large sum of money, intended for a sports project, goes missing, further complicating his situation as he feels the weight of suspicion growing against him.