Part 1: Chapter 5 Summary and Analysis

Mama used to attend Mount Pleasant Church, but when the family moves in to Raymond's house, Mount Pleasant is too far away. Mama decides that she will try attending Centreville Baptist where Miss Pearl goes to church in hopes of getting on Miss Pearl's good side. Essie Mae likes Centreville Baptist because the sermons are not as long as at Mount Pleasant and she loves hearing the choir sing. However, Essie Mae does not like the way all the women cry when the pastor preaches and she is appalled to learn that the preacher was once in prison. Mama does not return to Centreville Baptist, but Essie Mae, Adline, and Junior continue to attend Sunday school, church services, and Baptist Training, in order to show Miss Pearl that they are just as good as her own kin.

For several...