Go Tell It on the Mountain | Part Summaries

Timeline of Events

• Saturday early morning

  John wakes and joins his family for breakfast, wondering if anyone will remember his birthday.

  Part 1, The Seventh Day
• Later that morning

  John and Roy attempt to clean the endless dirt from the family's home.

  Part 1, The Seventh Day
• Midday

  John's mother gives him some money and sends him out for a birthday treat.

  Part 1, The Seventh Day
• That afternoon

  John wanders through New York City, marveling at the sights, and goes to a movie.

  Part 1, The Seventh Day
• Late afternoon

  John comes home to family chaos and Gabriel's rage after Roy is stabbed in a street fight.

  Part 1, The Seventh Day
• Early evening

  John goes to the church to help Elisha prepare for the evening service.

  Part 1, The Seventh Day
• Later that evening

  Aunt Florence recalls her childhood and how she left home in search of a better life.

  Part 2, The Prayers of the Saints (Florence's Prayer)
• That night

  Gabriel remembers his marriage to Deborah and his affair and illegitimate child with Esther.

  Part 2, The Prayers of the Saints (Gabriel's Prayer)
• Late that night

  Elizabeth remembers coming to New York with Richard and his unjust arrest and suicide.

  Part 2, The Prayers of the Saints (Elizabeth's Prayer)
• Sunday early morning

  John has visions of his ancestors and of God. He emerges from the vision to announce he is saved.

  Part 3, The Threshing Floor
• Later that morning

  John and his family return home, and John feels transformed by his conversion experience.

  Part 3, The Threshing Floor

Part Summaries Chart