# Church Building explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper.

## What happens

Uncle Jacob inspires the community to build a meeting place after freedom, and despite their meager wages, they sacrifice to construct a church. He leads a powerful prayer there shortly before his death, blessing the congregation and expressing hope to enter the promised land.

## Themes in this chapter

### Faith and Divine Justice

Uncle Jacob's unwavering faith and his assurance of entering the promised land reflect a deep trust in divine justice and reward after earthly toil.

### Resilience and Sacrifice

Despite scanty wages, the community pinches and spares to build a church, demonstrating resilience and sacrificial commitment to their faith.

## Character check-ins

### Uncle Jacob

The elderly leader who urges the community to build a church, delivers a final sermon, and dies soon after, expressing faith in reaching the promised land.

### Unknown Narrator

The speaker who recounts the community's efforts to build the church and Uncle Jacob's final blessing.

## Key lines

> Since freedom blessed our race We ought all to come together And build a meeting place.

Because we have been granted freedom, we should unite and construct a place of worship.

_Uncle Jacob's call to action links the blessing of freedom with the communal duty to build a church._

> But his voice rang like a trumpet; His eyes looked bright and young; And it seemed a mighty power Was resting on his tongue.

His voice was strong and clear, his eyes youthful and vibrant, and he spoke with an extraordinary spiritual authority.

_Describes Uncle Jacob's powerful presence during his final sermon despite his frail appearance._

> He said, 'Children, you must meet me Right in the promised land;'

He instructed the congregation to join him in heaven.

_Uncle Jacob's dying wish and assurance of salvation for the community._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/church-building
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_7_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters