When Atticus is away working with the state legislature, Calpurnia invites the children to attend church with her at First Purchase African M.E. Church. The church received its name because freed slaves contributed their first earnings to the purchase of the church. During the week, white men use the church for gambling, and black people use it for worship on Sundays. Calpurnia, in preparation for their visit to church, makes sure that the children are sufficiently bathed and dressed. When Jem questions her about all of the preparations, she replies, "I don't want anybody sayin' I don't look after my children."

As they arrive at First Purchase, Scout notices that the men remove their hats and step aside while the women perform their own "gestures of respectful attention." Their arrival is pleasant with one exception: Lula. Lula, described by Scout as being a tall woman that seems "seven feet high," asks Calpurnia, "What you up to, Miss Cal?" She makes it clear to Calpurnia that she doesn't want white children there. After Calpurnia and the other church members intervene on their behalf, Scout and Jem are welcomed by Calpurnia's son, Zeebo. Upon entering the church, Reverend Sykes leads the children and Calpurnia to the front pew.

Calpurnia's church is called First Purchase African M. E. and it is named "First Purchase" because it was paid for with the first earnings of freed slaves. When Cal, Jem, and Scout first arrive, they are greeted with respect. The men step back to open the path to the door and they take off their hats. The women cross their arms at their waists. These are all signs/gestures of respect. As Cal, Scout, and Jem walk to the door, Cal greets many of the parishioners. 

Only Lula has a problem with Cal bringing white children to a black church. Lula actively blocks their path. Cal responds, saying the children are her company and that, black or white, it's the same God. Lula backs down and Zeebo says to Jem, "we’re mighty glad to have you all here. Don’t pay no ‘tention to Lula, she’s contentious because Reverend Sykes threatened to church her. She’s a troublemaker from way back, got fancy ideas an’ haughty ways—we’re mighty glad to have you all." 

Reverend Sykes greets them and leads them to the front pew. Reverend Sykes even makes an announcement to publicly welcome Scout and Jem. He notes how they all know Atticus, and the unspoken gesture suggests that they respect Atticus. So, overall, Scout and Jem are greeted with open arms at First Purchase. Only Lula thinks that churches should be absolutely segregated.