Plot

Young clergyman Edwin Revell receives the appointment as minister at the Church of the Village of Fairbrook. In the letter which advises the young man of his appointment, it is pointed out to him that, owing to the old age and feebleness of his predecessor, part of the congregation has become indifferent and negligent. The new minister, however, is received at his new post with kindness. He finds particular friends in Jacob Drake, a deacon and magistrate in Fairbrook, and his daughter Christine, who at once becomes impressed with the strong personality of the young clergyman. Revell finds a certain defiant attitude among the church members who have fallen into neglect, but a particularly difficult problem presents itself for the new minister in the case of Garrie, a reclusive middle-aged peasant woman whom the villagers dislike; they call her "The Mountain Witch" because of her reticence and peculiarities. Through an unusual chain of circumstances Revell gains for Garrie the respect of the community and pacifies a certain ignorant family which has been led to believe that Garrie is in league with evil spirits.—Moving Picture World synopsis