Ever since Mommy passed on, [Father Divine] stands between us and our enjoyment. Daddy discovered Father Divine when he was searching to cure ‘the ailments of the heart,’ those terrible fits of mourning that set in … Father Divine, the great provider, sent his blessing via mail. And shortly thereafter Daddy was cured … he let Divine strip away his desire and demand of him a monk’s devotion. This a man who never went to church and never tipped his hat to a woman, until we got to – Brooklyn.
-- Ernestine  (Prologue)

Importance: This quote from early in the play establishes the fundamental nature of the relationship between Godfrey and Father Divine. The relationship, the primary embodiment of the play's thematic consideration of the power of religious faith, is clearly one grounded in Godfrey's desperation, and Divine's determination to exploit that grief.

Can hear Mrs. Levy upstairs in her rocking chair shifting back and forth...
-- Ernestine (Prologue)