Act I

In the heart of Harlem on a serene Sunday morning, Act I unfolds within the walls of a modest church. Margaret Anderson, the devout pastor of this corner sanctuary, leads a soulful service. Hymns resonate through the room, beautifully accompanied by her son, David, a talented eighteen-year-old pianist. Among the congregation, a young mother, Mrs. Ida Jackson, approaches the pulpit, cradling her ailing child. Desperate for guidance, she seeks Margaret's counsel on saving her baby. Margaret's advice is to leave her husband, but Mrs. Jackson stands firm in her decision to stay with him.

Once the service concludes, Margaret retreats to her adjoining apartment with her sister Odessa, David, and the church elders—Sister Moore, Sister Boxer, and Brother Boxer. An unexpected visitor arrives: Luke, Margaret's long-separated husband. Before David and the elders, he reveals that contrary to what Margaret had claimed, it was she who abandoned him years ago after blaming him for the death of their infant child. The hardships had driven her to seek solace in a dedicated religious life. Luke, afflicted by illness, collapses and is laid in Margaret's apartment to rest. Despite pleas from David and the church elders to care for her ailing husband, Margaret embarks on a short trip to Philadelphia to assist another church in need.

Act II

As Saturday afternoon rolls in, Act II reveals Odessa, Sister Boxer, and Sister Moore gathered in the apartment's kitchen. Their conversation revolves around Margaret's role in the church amid revelations of her past. They voice their dissatisfaction with her handling of church finances, her treatment of the congregation, and the perceived hypocrisy of her actions versus her teachings. Later, David enters the room where his father, Luke, lies sick. A heartfelt discussion emerges between father and son about David's dreams of becoming a jazz musician and Luke's own life as one. Luke recounts how Margaret's departure devastated him, urging David to follow his passion for jazz while reminding him that music holds little meaning without love.

Later, in the church, the elders and other congregants convene to deliberate on Margaret's position as pastor. They scrutinize her financial decisions, her treatment of Luke, and the gap between her sermons and her personal life. Their voices lift in a hymn just as Margaret returns from Philadelphia, announcing that the congregation there will join them for the service the next day. Together, they sing and pray, unity momentarily restored.

As the act progresses, David places a record player in his father's room, playing a cherished recording of Luke's trombone performance. Margaret enters, and David departs with the record player. A conversation ensues between Margaret and Luke, exploring their fraught relationship and the influence of religion on their lives. Yet, they reach no resolution. Odessa soon enters to alert Margaret of an impending church meeting where her leadership will be scrutinized.

Act III

On the following Sunday morning, Act III begins with a poignant exchange between Margaret and Mrs. Jackson in the church. Mrs. Jackson, whose baby has passed away, dismisses Margaret's religious counsel, focusing instead on her husband over spiritual matters. Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Margaret and Odessa reflect on Margaret's relationship with Luke. Later, Odessa faces the church elders as they deliberate on removing Margaret from her pastoral duties, attempting to defend her sister against their decision.

In a pivotal moment, David confronts Margaret with his decision to leave home in pursuit of a career in jazz. Margaret then enters the room where Luke is nearing the end, and they talk about David’s choice to follow his dreams. Finally, the estranged couple reconciles, confessing their...