The Amen Corner

The Amen Corner Summary | Act 1 Summary

The play opens on a stage set up as a church with an attached apartment. As the curtain rises, members of the congregation begin singing a lively gospel tune. When the song ends, Margaret Alexander, the pastor of the church, begins speaking amid shouts of Amen and Hallelujah. She opens her sermon by mentioning King Hezekiah, who, upon hearing the decree "Set thine house in order, for thou shalt die and not live," sent for the prophet Isaiah to give him guidance in spiritual matters. Margaret points out to the congregation that, despite the king's access to his whole kingdom, he chose Isaiah, a holy man of God. The king, Margaret preaches, probably never spent any time with Isaiah; he did not invite him to parties because devout people make others uncomfortable. However, when trouble comes, the king went to a man of God. Margaret applies this story to the congregation, saying that perhaps church members have experienced something similar; maybe somebody with a problem who needs to talk has approached them. Margaret declares that the world is watching them, but they cannot expect to help if they are not living holy lives. She gives a couple examples of unholy things, such as reading the funny papers or working for a liquor delivery company. She calls for reform among the members by stating the biblical premise that no man can serve two masters.

The congregation sings another song, this one focusing on the Holy Spirit and walking with guidance from above. After the song, Sister Moore, one of the church elders, takes the stage. She tells how Margaret will go to their sister church in Philadelphia to help members that are sick in the body and soul. She says a prayer thanking God for her life and purity from all men. The congregation sings a song about coming to Jesus so he can save you, then Sister Moore asks members of the church to come forward if they feel troubled or sinful or in need of special prayer.

One young woman, Mrs. Ida Jackson comes forward with a sick baby. Her husband is at home, bitter about religion. She weeps as she asks for their blessing for her sick son. She has already lost one child and is afraid she will lose Daniel as well. Margaret assures her that prayer will help and tells her not to worry. Margaret suggests that perhaps God does not approve of Mrs. Jackson's marriage, but Mrs. Jackson seems troubled with the suggestion. Margaret proceeds to pray for and bless the child and tells Mrs. Jackson to return to the church with her child and husband.

Sister Moore takes the offering from the church, encouraging members to give money to help with the cost of Margaret's trip to Philadelphia. The congregation sings "Glory, Glory, Hallelujah" as Margaret exits into the apartment, where her sister, Odessa, awaits her with a cup of coffee. Odessa compliments Margaret for the service, but Margaret gives credit to the Holy Spirit. She tells Odessa of her plans to take her son, David, with her to Philadelphia. When Odessa worries that he will not want to go, Margaret quotes scripture and assures her that David will not disobey. Just before David enters, Margaret praises God for helping her raise David without his father, Luke, who is said to have run off when David was a young boy.

When David hears of the plans for Philadelphia, he uses several excuses to convince his mother he should stay home, including that he must play piano for the evening service and does not want to miss a week of music school. Despite his obvious objection to going to Philadelphia, Margaret insists he come. The entrance of Brother and Sister Boxer and Sister Moore interrupts their argument. The three church elders praise Margaret for her sermon. Margaret and the elders discuss David and the church in Philadelphia, whose church leader, Mother Phillips, is ill and whose congregation has gone astray.

Brother Boxer brings up David's absent father, and Sister Moore says that David would be much different if he had been around his father. David agrees then tells his mom that he has to take care of something before they leave for a week. He leaves, and Margaret and Odessa exit the kitchen area.

In the kitchen, Brother Boxer tells the others that Luke is back in New York playing for a jazz club. As far as they know, Margaret has not heard the news, but they imagine that David has. This leads into conversation about Brother Boxer working for a liquor company and they debate the morality of it. Sisters Moore and Boxer believe that Brother Boxer is not doing any wrong; he is providing for his family and making an honest living. As Margaret and Odessa re-enter, followed shortly by David, the three others sing a hymn and return to the discussion of Brother Boxer's job. Sister Moore confronts Margaret, but Margaret stands her ground, claiming that the Lord comes before everything else. They sing another hymn.

Luke enters the home and everyone greets him with shock. He says a round of hellos and tells David that he saw him at the jazz club the night before. Margaret feels betrayed, saying that God does not like lying. They all make small talk for a while, but the conversation turns more serious as Margaret asks why Luke has come. Confusion ensues when David accuses Luke of running away from his family. After some banter, Luke forces Margaret to tell the truth; she was the one who left. She argues that he was always off at the jazz clubs and drinking whiskey. She claims she did it to save David and follow the Lord.

Shocked, David reminds his mom that God does not like liars. As Luke starts to leave, he tells David to come to the club if he wants to get to know him. Odessa realizes that Luke is sick as he sways and falls into the table. They take him into the bedroom and lay him on the bed.

Everyone tries to convince Margaret to stay, but she sticks to her plan, even though Luke is calling for her and the others are telling her she can help him. She says that Luke needs to call on the Lord. After telling David to call a doctor and Odessa to send a telegram if anything happens, Margaret leaves. The others stay in the house and begin to sing a prayer.