Summary

The church decided to go ahead with the planned meeting. Turner attends, much to Deacon Hurd’s resentment, but supports his attendance by referring to the bylaws of the church. Deacon Hurd makes his case for removing Reverend Buckminster from the church, saying he behaved inappropriately for a pastor and in a way that went against the wishes of the town. A parishioner named Mr. Newton (last seen in Chapter 1 as a member of the church’s welcoming committee) tries to defend both Reverend Buckminster and Turner (who tells the meeting that he and his mother are planning to move into Mrs. Cobb’s house), but Deacon Hurd rejects his arguments and calls for a vote on a resolution to remove the Reverend from his post, a resolution that ultimately passes.

Days pass, and Turner helps his mother move their things over to Mrs...