From Pulpit to Purgatory

In a small town in New England in 1858, Reverend Jeffrey pastors the Olivetti Methodist Church. Utterly committed to the well-being of his flock, the reverend sparks in his congregants more than one hope of marriage as women consider him a suitable match for daughters and sisters.

Among these hopeful women is Mrs. Jeremiah, who introduces Reverend Jeffrey to Sarah, her plain, unmarried sister. The reverend is not interested in pursuing a romance with Sarah, but when Mrs. Jeremiah invites him to a family gathering, he shows up only to find Sarah, alone.

Despite Sarah’s protests, Reverend Jeffrey leaves immediately; he cannot stay alone with a woman without risking both their reputations. Yet the damage has already been done. Mrs. Jeremiah accuses the reverend of ruining her sister, and when he denies any wrongdoing, the rumors begin.

To save his good name, Reverend Jeffrey marries Sarah in exchange for Mrs. Jeremiah’s correction of the false accusations. But shortly after the wedding, Mrs. Jeremiah dies, followed by Sarah. The reverend is distraught, yet new rumors circulate: perhaps the widower is not grieving but has murdered the woman he was so loath to marry.