It is to a considerable degree the Church of recent immigrants, mainly Irish and Italians (with an additional influx of Polish refugees during World War II, in the later part of the book).

When hit on his head by a jagged stone thrown by bigots, and needing weeks of hospitalization, he considers that the incident can be useful in generating sympathy for the Catholics among the town's mainstream Protestants.

The boy, who is in effect Father Smith's "spiritual son" develops into a charismatic preacher, drawing large crowds.

It is noted that this Scottish Episcopal see is very large, including many far-flung communities, the Bishop needing to do constant traveling – and therefore, better that a young and vigorous man have the job.

In 1942, a mere two days before it is to be dedicated, the beautiful new church building is destroyed by a Luftwaffe bombing raid, which also costs Father Smith's life.

With literally his last breath, Father Smith reminds the Polish priest who will temporarily replace him that next Sunday's Mass must, once again, be offered in the vegetable market.