Crumbs from the Table of Joy

As Ermina sorts through the mail one day, Godfrey impatiently asks if Father Divine has finally responded to him. But Ermina is more interested in a square of fabric that Ernestine mail-ordered for a dress she’s making. It’s a dress for her high school graduation, and Ermina notes that their mother had promised Ernestine a beautiful dress for the occasion. Godfrey, for his part, is shocked to hear his daughters talk about this dress—he didn’t even know Ernestine was going to graduate. He’s suddenly overcome by pride, talking about how Ernestine will be the first person in the family to graduate high school. He also asks why Ernestine didn’t mention this achievement, but she hints that she did. Embarrassed, Godfrey takes out a small notepad and writes something down.

Ermina continues sorting through the mail and comes across a letter from Father Divine. Godfrey is overjoyed, eagerly opening the envelope but then passing it to Ernestine, who is better at reading. Father Divine’s message says that he was moved by the honesty in Godfrey’s previous letters, which is why he decided to respond. He tells Godfrey to stay strong as a Black man living in poverty, adding that segregation and Jim Crow laws were invented to “punish those who are in touch with God.” Father Divine adds that he doesn’t ask much of his followers, other than that they remain celibate and pious. He insinuates that Godfrey can rise above adversity by resisting temptation and remaining pious.

In his letter, Father Divine decides to give Godfrey and his daughters new names. Henceforth, Godfrey will no longer be Godfrey Crump, but Godfrey Goodness. Ernestine will be Darling Angel, and Ermina will be Devout Mary. Before signing off, Father Divine urges Godfrey to join the Peace Mission Movement at its Holy Communion Banquet, reminding him that, although “life is a feast,” it’s still necessary to pay for food—and Father Divine knows Godfrey won’t let the Peace Mission Movement starve.

Godfrey is elated by Father Divine’s letter, but Ermina doesn’t like the sound of her new name. She wonders how she’ll ever get the attention of boys her age with a name like Devout Mary. According to Godfrey, though, this shouldn’t be a problem: Father Divine would not approve of Ermina fraternizing with boys anyway. Still buzzing with excitement, Godfrey talks about how he and his daughters are now part of Father Divine’s “flock” and will be able to enter the kingdom of heaven with their new names. As he says this, he pulls out his money and starts counting it, and though Ernestine imagines him giving them some cash to go to the movies, he just sits there counting and recounting the bills until it’s time for him to leave for work.