A Housemaid’s Surprise to First Purchase

By Sally Ha

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        For most of the residents in Maycomb County, Alabama, it was a quiet Sunday morning. But in the Quarters outside the town boundaries, it was a different story. At First Purchase African M.E. Church, just minutes prior to the weekly Sunday service, Miss Calpurnia, a weekly attender and housekeeper to town lawyer, Mr. Atticus Finch, came with his two children, Jean Louise Finch, and Jeremy Atticus Finch. This surprise came upon many, as it was unlikely for two white children to be in an African American church.

       However, while many greeted the children with respect and gave them their full attention, one particular individual, Miss Lula, was rather upset. In a statement, Miss Lula expressed her concern to Miss Calpurnia with, “You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here - they got their church, we got our’n. It’s our church ain’t it Miss Cal?” However, this dispute was quickly put at bay as Reverend Sykes came and greeted the two children, then led them and Miss Calpurnia to the front pew.

       It is currently unclear of whether Miss Lula performed any other acts of disrespect after the service, but we do know that this particular service was longer than the rest, due to the fact that collections came up short for Mr. Tom Robinson’s wife. From what we know from the folks of Maycomb County, it is speculated that Mr. Robinson was arrested and accused of raping Mr. Bob Ewell’s daughter, which may be a factor for the tension amongst the attendees of this week’s service. With all being said, it is difficult to predict if we will be seeing the children again at First Purchase, but one thing is certain: this was quite the Sunday morning.