- Rev. Franklin: I went in the cleaners one day in Detroit to pick up some clothes, and Aretha had appeared on a recent television show. And she told me, "I saw your daughter Aretha last night." I said, "Yes? How did you like it?" She said, "It was all right. But I'll be glad when she comes back to the church." I said, "Listen baby, let me tell you something. If you want to know the truth, she has never left the church."
- Rev. Cleveland: I'd like for you to be mindful, though, that this is a church, and we're here for a religious service. And we want you to be a part of it; we want you to give vent to the Spirit. And those of you who are not hip to giving vent to the Spirit, then you do the next best thing.
- Rev. Cleveland: We'd like to thank you for coming tonight to the first religious recording session of the Lady Soul, Miss Aretha Franklin. And we want you tonight to be a part of this session. We want you to, you know, let the folks know you're here. There are many of you who have never had the opportunity to hear Aretha sing gospel. You're in tonight for a great thrill. She can sing anything.
- Rev. Cleveland: The next song needs no introduction. The other day in rehearsal Aretha began to sing it, and when she got to the part that says, "Through many dangers," I looked over at her and saw the tears rolling out of her eyes. 'Cause never did we think, I think, twenty years ago, that God would do great things for us.