Who is Reverend Fickett from Lisa, Bright and Dark and what is their importance?

Reverend Fickett is Mary Nell Fickett's father. Reverend Fickett is a handsome man, Betsy says, but not especially strong. Fickett is something of an impractical man, although he is very "enthusiastic" most of the time. Being enthusiastic is something Reverend Fickett is good at (32).