Calpurnia attends First Purchase African M.E. Church and invites Jem and Scout to attend Sunday service with her in chapter 12. After Atticus leaves town for business, Calpurnia takes the Finch children to Sunday service at First Purchase, which is a unique, eye-opening experience for Jem and Scout. Aside from the prejudiced Lula, the congregation greets Jem and Scout with open arms, and the children take note of the differences between Calpurnia's black church and their regular white church. Scout notices that there is no piano, hymn books, or church programs at Cal's church and is astonished to witness how the congregation sings hymns in unison using a technique known as "lining." They also witness Reverend Sykes's unique preaching style, where he specifically chastises individuals for their sins and locks the church doors in order to collect ten dollars for Tom Robinson's family. In addition to enjoying the service, Jem and Scout also gain valuable insight into Calpurnia's personal life. Overall, the children enjoy their visit to First Purchase African M.E. Church in chapter 12.
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Calpurnia invites Jem and Scout to go to church with her while Atticus is away working with the state legislature. Calpurnia remembers that on a previous Sunday when Atticus was away, the children's class at church "tied Eunice Ann Simpson to a chair and placed her in the furnace room." Calpurnia appears concerned that a similar event will happen, although Scout promises they'll behave. Calpurnia spends Saturday night making sure Scout is sufficiently bathed and that Scout's dress is adequately starched.
Calpurnia, along with the other African American citizens of Maycomb, attends First Purchase African M.E. Church, located outside of the town limits. It is known as First Purchase because "it was paid for from the first earnings of freed slaves." While it is used for gambling by some of the white men during the week, its purpose on Sundays is for worship.
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