Interesting that you should say that they sold their souls to the devil , which I believe could be true, because during the time period from 1965 til now blacks attended church at higher rates than white people. Hmmmmm what was going on in those churches....
In my church; we were declining in membership.
The youth were moving away after growing up; the neighbor racial ratio changing. We heard of a black congregation that was meeting in a strip store, but wanting their own building.
Discussion were made, and agreements arrived at.
So now we have a black congregation attending; as well as a Hispanic one; too.
Things are working out ok; as we meet at different times and buildings.
We lost a few folks who felt uncomfortable, but strangely; the black church lost a few folks as well.
One of the reasons: “It feels like Mayberry there.”
I had to laugh, but soon realized what was being said.
We’re all apprehensive of those who are different from ourselves.
As Martha says, “It’s a good thing.”
I remember the time when they had intact families and that was the norm.