Chapter 9 Summary

The Rev. "Dick" Gwyon is the subject of much gossip about his background in the Depot Tavern as he prepares to deliver Christmas services. As repairs on the broken-down church proceed slowly, Gwyon settles into his pastoral study. In an effort to fit into the community, Gwyon also sings and coaches a Boy Scout troop. Happymount, the local old age home, is within the jurisdiction of The Reverend Gwyon. One resident is an anatomist called Mr. Farisy who conducts gruesome experiments with dismembered cadaverous arms which he nails on the wall and tests for their tensile strength in an effort to understand the means, methods and outcomes of the crucifixion of Jesus. Gwyon wins the approval of his parishioners with his restoration work in the church, but they remain skeptical of his cigar chomping. He undertakes any number of projects to lighten up...