Ten little parishioners, all in a line, one disliked the pastor, then there were nine.

Nine ambitious parishioners offered to work late, one forgot her promise then there were eight.

Eight creative parishioners had ideas as good as heaven, one lost his enthusiasm, then there were seven.

Seven loyal parishioners got into a fix, they quarreled over projects, then there were six.

Six parishioners remained with spirit and drive, one moved away, then there were five.

Five steadfast parishioners wished there were more, one became indifferent, then there were four.

Four cheerful- parishioners who never disagree, 'til one complained of meetings, then there were three.

Three eager parishioners, what did they do? One got discouraged, then there were two.

Two lonely parishioners, our rhyme is nearly done, one joined a sports team, then there was only one.

One faithful parishioner was feeling rather blue, met with a neighbor, and then there were two.

Two earnest parishioners, each enrolled one more, doubling their number, then there were four.

Four determined parishioners, just wouldn't wait, 'til each one won another, then there were eight.

Eight excited parishioners signed up sixteen more.' In another six verses there'll be a thousand twenty four!