It is the early 1960s and there isn't a mother in Charleston, Mississippi, who wouldn't like to have Theophilus Henry Simmons as her son-in-law. He's young, single, sexy, and just about the finest black man most of them have ever seen. He's also a pastor. But when he courts Essie Lee Lane and then decides to make her his First Lady, a few of the church folk decide that it is their job to show the new bride how little she knows about them, and about being the wife of the pastor. As Theophilus gains prominence in his denomination, Essie evolves from a quiet parishioner into an independent and godly woman. Sporting an afro and driving her new purple Cadillac, Essie finally shows the church folk what it means to stand by your man and your beliefs.