Chapter 5: St. Phillips
1006 Words
St. PhillipsJimmy sat on the sofa and alternated between reading a book, skimming the newspaper, and listening to the sounds bubbling up from the street. Benjamin stood in the doorway and tapped the wooden door to get Jimmy’s attention. “Are you planning to stay inside this apartment by yourself every day? You promised not to bother Mrs. Montgomery, but New York’s a big city. Come to services with me.”
“Trinity is where I worship—not allowed to go anymore.”
“Then you’ll feel right at home at St. Phillips!”
“Why do you say that?”
“Well, St. Phillips is also Episcopalian and it was founded a long time ago by some free Colored parishioners from Trinity. The church moved up to Harlem a few years ago—I’m going there right now.”
Jimmy shifted in his seat. “I didn’t know that.”
“Yes, your parish was the beginning of a few important places. I bet you didn’t know the fancy school you’re starting in September, Columbia University, began as King’s College in the 1700s in a small room attached to Trinity? So your school is connected to Trinity and your new church could be as well. Why don’t you come with me?”
“Thanks, but no. I need to think through some things—maybe I’m not ready yet, but soon I will be. I promise.”
“Listen, you got to figure out where you belong, but you’re only eighteen. How are you going to choose if you’ve only seen one side of it—you understand all about how rich White people live, and you may decide to try and stay with them, but you never experienced anything else. I may be the only Black person you’ve ever spoken to at all. Time for you to open your eyes, Jimmy. Go put your clothes on. I won’t take no for an answer. Hurry up.”
Jimmy put his book down and folded the newspaper. “Okay. Be right back.”
The service followed the same basic format Jimmy had grown accustomed to but seemed livelier and more joyous. Whenever he scanned the rows of worshippers, however, he caught the glances and noticed the attention. The expressions ranged from friendly to suspicious.
“Thanks for bringing me, Benjamin, but I’m not sure if I fit here.”
“I’m not so sure either and I doubt you’ll find any quick answers about where you do fit. You grew up White, but in most parts of the country, you’re Black. You ever heard of the one drop rule?”
“No.”
“Well, this rule says that one drop of Black blood makes a person Black. This is how most people think. I’m not sure if your mama is pure Black—chances are she’s not, but you sure have more than a drop. The thing is that you can pass for White, you been doing it your whole life. Lots of Blacks would love to pass if they could. The question is, are you ever going to fit in with Blacks? It won’t be easy, if this is what you want to do. People are going to resent you and might not trust you. To figure out what’s right, you need to see both sides. Understand?”
“Yeah, I do. Everything is so new and confusing, but I’m doing my best to sort things out.”
“This is all you can do. I don’t think we can keep up this mystery too much longer.” Benjamin motioned toward a cluster of middle-aged women huddled together about twenty feet away. They spoke in whispers.
“Who’s that large boy sitting with Benjamin? Not sure if he’s White or High Yellow.”
“I don’t know, but Benjamin works for some family in midtown. Could be he wanted to show one of them how a real Sunday service is run!”
They all laughed except for the oldest of the women, who offered, “Well, I don’t like being some kind of experiment. You sayin’ he’s here to observe us?”
“Oh, stop being so dramatic. No one knows anything about him at all. We’re not the only ones who noticed him.” Four girls in their late teens were giggling and looking in Jimmy’s direction as well.
Benjamin took control. “Most of these folks are trying to guess who you are. You’re standing out because of your complexion as well as your size. You got to be around six five and two hundred and fifty pounds. Right?”
“You’re correct with the height, but it’s been a while since I weighed that little.” Jimmy took a look across the hallway at a mirror and turned sideways, sucking in his small belly.
Benjamin chuckled. “With all the things you need to worry about, being fat should be at the bottom of your list! You a big boy and you gonna be a bigger man. No doubt about that!”
Jimmy exhaled and turned back with a smirk.
Benjamin continued, “I’m going to introduce you to some of the church members, but your story is too involved and a little too raw right now, so we’re just gonna say you’re a friend of my family. Okay?”
“All right. Whatever you think.”
Benjamin headed first for the group of older women and took note of the small pack of teenage girls moving closer. By the time the two men were within speaking distance, a circle formed around them.
“Good afternoon, Benjamin. Who is this fine young man by your side?”
“Afternoon. Allow me to present Jimmy Montgomery, a longtime friend of my family.”
Jimmy offered, “It is an honor to meet all of you.” Each of the women took turns extending a hand. The young girls were also introduced and they took greater pains to try and make an impression upon their handsome guest. A young, slight man about Jimmy’s age came over next and received a warm greeting from Benjamin. “Milton, how are you? How are things at Howard? You just finished your third year?”
“Yes, sir. One more year to go. I’m home for the summer with a job lined up downtown.”
“Great! I’d like to introduce you to a friend of my family, Jimmy Montgomery.”
“Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Jimmy. My full name is Milton Washington. I study business. I hear you’re about to start school. Is that right?”
“Yeah, actually the same major. My father had me work during the summer with one of his business friends helping out with accounts. I kind of like working with numbers.”
“Me too,” Milton answered.
Benjamin interjected, “Jimmy will be staying with me, but he’s new to the area. Maybe you could show him around?”
“Sure thing. I’ve got time right now. I’ll bring him back to your place in a couple of hours. Okay, Benjamin?”
“Sounds fine. Be back by six and you can join us for dinner.”
Chapter 6
- Writer
