<P> Though he has come to realize how unlikely it is that he will be paid, and partly out of respect for all the women have overcome, Smith stays longer and finds himself driven to work on at least clearing the construction site for the chapel . He rationalizes that it would be too hard for the sisters to move the heavy beams . After losing another duel of Bible quotes with Mother Maria, Smith acknowledges that he has always wanted to be an architect, but couldn't afford the schooling . His unfulfilled dream impels him to agree to undertake the (unpaid) job of building the sisters a chapel . </P> <P> To earn money to buy some "real food" to supplement the spartan diet the nuns are able to provide him, Smith gets a part - time job with the nearby construction contractor, Ashton (director Ralph Nelson, uncredited), who is impressed that Smith can handle nearly every piece of heavy equipment he owns . Smith supplements the nuns' diet as well, shopping for groceries to stock up their kitchen and delighting them with treats such as lollipops . </P> <P> To pass the evenings, Smith (whom the nuns call "Schmidt") helps the sisters improve their rudimentary English (only Mother Maria speaks the language well enough to converse with him) and joins them in singing . They share their different musical traditions with one another: their Catholic chants and his Baptist hymns . He teaches them to join him in the call - and - response song "Amen" by Jester Hairston (dubbed by Hairston in the film). </P> <P> Smith, determined that the building will be constructed to the highest standards, insists that the work be done by him and only him . Meanwhile, the nuns write letters to various philanthropic organizations and charities asking for money for supplies, but all their requests are denied . As word spreads about the endeavor, locals begin to show up to contribute materials and to help in construction, but Smith rebuffs all offers of assistance in the labor . As he gains a larger and larger audience for his efforts, the locals, impressed with his determination, but no less dogged than he, will content themselves no longer with just watching . They find ways to lend a hand that Smith cannot easily turn down--the lifting of a bucket or brick, for example . Once the process is in motion, they end up doing as they intended, assisting in every aspect of the construction, as well as contributing materials . This greatly accelerates the progress, much to the delight of everyone but Smith . </P>

Who sang amen in lilies of the field