Who is Pastor Toby Wishnell from Stern Men and what is their importance?

The much-hated roving pastor whose parish, based on Courne Haven Island, ME, extends from Casco on the Songo River along the whole coastline of Maine and into Nova Scotia, Toby prides himself on being the first Wishnell not to fish for lobsters. Instead, he becomes a pastor, operating off a floating mission church, the New Hope, assisted by his nephew, Owney Wishnell, whom he wants to make in his own image. Toby's zeal contrasts with his predecessor, Pastor Mort Beekman, whose air of unconcern impresses the fishermen. Residents of Fort Niles Island, long rivals of Courne Haven, are particularly hostile to Toby for his haughtiness and for rejecting the family's supernatural ability to locate and catch lobsters. His good looks and cultivated manner are resented. Toby is seen performing an elegant, flawless funeral for Ira Pommeroy.