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The Old Peabody Pew: A Christmas Romance of a Country Church
1905. Another heartwarming tale from the American educator and writer, famous for her children's works including Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. The story begins: Edgewood, like all the other villages along the banks of the Saco, is full of sunny slopes and leafy hollows. There are little, rounded, green-clad hillocks that might, like their scriptural sisters, skip with joy; and there are grand, rocky hills tufted with gaunt pine trees-these leading the eye to the splendid heights of a neighbor State, where snow-crowned peaks tower in the blue distance, sweeping the horizon in a long line of majesty. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.
Hardcover
First published October 1, 1907
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About the author
Kate Douglas Wiggin
396 books164 followersKate Douglas Smith Wiggin
Kate Douglas Wiggin, nee Smith (1856-1923) was an American children's author and educator. She was born in Philadelphia, and was of Welsh descent. She started the first free kindergarten in San Francisco in 1878 (the "Silver Street Free Kindergarten"). With her sister in the 1880s she also established a training school for kindergarten teachers. Her best known books are The Story of Pasty (1883), The Birds' Christmas Carol (1886), Polly Oliver's Problem (1893), A Cathedral Courtship (1893), The Village Watchtoer (1896), Marm Lisa (1897) and Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1903).
Kate Douglas Wiggin, nee Smith (1856-1923) was an American children's author and educator. She was born in Philadelphia, and was of Welsh descent. She started the first free kindergarten in San Francisco in 1878 (the "Silver Street Free Kindergarten"). With her sister in the 1880s she also established a training school for kindergarten teachers. Her best known books are The Story of Pasty (1883), The Birds' Christmas Carol (1886), Polly Oliver's Problem (1893), A Cathedral Courtship (1893), The Village Watchtoer (1896), Marm Lisa (1897) and Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1903).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 19, 2022
This was a sweet but very short Christmas romance story that takes place in a small town. The church members are busy laying out new red carpet in the church. And each pew is named after an old or new family, which I found interesting .
Nancy, an older single woman in the church, gets a love letter from an anonymous man.
Nancy, an older single woman in the church, gets a love letter from an anonymous man.
December 21, 2018
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this sweet story. While there wasn't much in the way of excitement or action (besides cleaning the church), it was just right for a Christmas read. And I loved the ending.
I enjoyed this sweet story. While there wasn't much in the way of excitement or action (besides cleaning the church), it was just right for a Christmas read. And I loved the ending.
January 6, 2017
A sweet, quick Christmas romance centered around a church's renovations with the sort of shrewd, witty observations of village life and personalities that fans of certain well-known British authoresses might enjoy. Surprisingly "girl power" in some ways, too. On Project Gutenberg.
November 25, 2022
4.5🌟 A quaint and charming Christmas story! I found this 1910 edition in a vintage shop and I love it! Holding it and reading it was as much of a pleasure to me as the actual story. The pages feel like the softest cotton flannel and every single page has a green candle Christmas border. The type was actually made with a old printing press - you can see the indentation of the sentences on the next page. There are even illustrative plates included every chapter or so and they're wonderfully nostalgic.
I truly enjoyed this simple, Maine country Christmas story and I plan on reading it every year from now on. If you can find a copy of this book and you find old-fashioned Christmas stories appealing, I think you'll love this book, too.
I truly enjoyed this simple, Maine country Christmas story and I plan on reading it every year from now on. If you can find a copy of this book and you find old-fashioned Christmas stories appealing, I think you'll love this book, too.
December 24, 2019
When the Dorcas Society of the Tory Hill Meeting House - a Ladies Aid Society devoted to the upkeep and improvement of that historic church - decide to clean and decorate (as much as they are able) the pews in their beloved house of worship for the Christmas holiday, each member agrees to take charge of her own family's pew, and that of surrounding pews. So it is that it falls to thirty-five-year-old teacher, Nancy Wentworth, to clean the eponymous Peabody pew, stirring memories of her almost romance, many years before, with Justin Peabody, who went west to seek his fortune, taking her heart with him. It is the day before Christmas as she works, and a strange man - or is he? - comes to the church, and watches her...
A lovely, old-fashioned Christmas romance, set in a pacturesque New England village in Maine, The Old Peabody Pew: A Christmas Romance of a Country Church was inspired by author Kate Douglas Wiggin's own church, the First Congregational Church of Buxton, Maine - also known as the Tory Hill Meeting House. Apparently the play that is based upon the novel is still performed every year, at that historic church. However that may be, this was a sweet, if fairly slight, little holiday confection, one that I read in an hour, and enjoyed. The only Wiggin I had read previously was the classic Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm , but I have been meaning to read some of the author's Christmas tales, of which there are a few. I'm glad to have finally done so, and recommend this one to anyone in the mood for a sweet, old-fashioned holiday romance, with a New England flavor.
A lovely, old-fashioned Christmas romance, set in a pacturesque New England village in Maine, The Old Peabody Pew: A Christmas Romance of a Country Church was inspired by author Kate Douglas Wiggin's own church, the First Congregational Church of Buxton, Maine - also known as the Tory Hill Meeting House. Apparently the play that is based upon the novel is still performed every year, at that historic church. However that may be, this was a sweet, if fairly slight, little holiday confection, one that I read in an hour, and enjoyed. The only Wiggin I had read previously was the classic Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm , but I have been meaning to read some of the author's Christmas tales, of which there are a few. I'm glad to have finally done so, and recommend this one to anyone in the mood for a sweet, old-fashioned holiday romance, with a New England flavor.
January 26, 2016
I remember as a small (but literate) child, examining books in my aunt's bookshelf and being told "Oh, you don't want that, that's just The Old Peabody Pew." (Of course as a seven-year-old I thought this was a hilarious title!) Recently, I realized that this tale fit into the category of Christmas stories, one of my reading interests, and Maine stories, another, so I ordered a copy. Unfortunately the cheapest one turned out to be a print-on-demand version and I noticed a couple of odd blank spots, so I think now I will look for an older used copy to replace it for my permanent collection.
Many readers now might be put off by the somewhat flowery writing, but I happen to like it. There is a great deal of humor in the descriptions of the Dorcas Society (Ladies' Aid) of the small-town church and their battles with the (male) trustees over the condition of the church building. One of the ladies even imagines a future with female deacons! Finally, their project of re-carpeting at least some of the sanctuary leads to an unexpected return of romance in the life of one of the younger members. A charming little story by a Maine writer better known for her children's books. Recommended.
Many readers now might be put off by the somewhat flowery writing, but I happen to like it. There is a great deal of humor in the descriptions of the Dorcas Society (Ladies' Aid) of the small-town church and their battles with the (male) trustees over the condition of the church building. One of the ladies even imagines a future with female deacons! Finally, their project of re-carpeting at least some of the sanctuary leads to an unexpected return of romance in the life of one of the younger members. A charming little story by a Maine writer better known for her children's books. Recommended.
October 2, 2020
4 stars & 4/10 hearts. My favourite thing about Wiggins is how she makes the country people live. I love the quaint, humorous way they talk and think. There is so much beauty in this story, as well as humour; some bittersweetness and hope; and a lovely message. Justin was a sweet boy, and Nancy was a dear. I loved how pure the romance was (only hand-holding!). It’s just a sweet, uplifting story.
A Favourite Quote: “He looked himself full in the face, recognizing his weakness, and in this supremest moment of recognition he was a stronger man than he had been an hour before.”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “Her waving dark hair had loosened and fallen over her cheeks, and her eyes gleamed from under it wistfully. Nowadays Nancy’s eyes never had the sparkle of gazing into the future, but always the liquid softness that comes from looking backward.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘The youngest son has just died in New York, so I hear.’
“‘What ailed him?’ inquired Maria Sharp.
“‘I guess he was completely wore out takin’ care of his health,’ returned Mrs. Sargent. ‘He had a splendid constitution from a boy, but he was always afraid it wouldn’t last him.’”
A Favourite Quote: “He looked himself full in the face, recognizing his weakness, and in this supremest moment of recognition he was a stronger man than he had been an hour before.”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “Her waving dark hair had loosened and fallen over her cheeks, and her eyes gleamed from under it wistfully. Nowadays Nancy’s eyes never had the sparkle of gazing into the future, but always the liquid softness that comes from looking backward.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘The youngest son has just died in New York, so I hear.’
“‘What ailed him?’ inquired Maria Sharp.
“‘I guess he was completely wore out takin’ care of his health,’ returned Mrs. Sargent. ‘He had a splendid constitution from a boy, but he was always afraid it wouldn’t last him.’”
December 17, 2022
A short, old-fashioned romance Christmas story.
Nancy and the Dorcas Society are cleaning and readying the church for Christmas. Through the women’s chatter, we learn of the Peabody family and a love that has waited long in hope.
A sweet story.
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
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Nancy and the Dorcas Society are cleaning and readying the church for Christmas. Through the women’s chatter, we learn of the Peabody family and a love that has waited long in hope.
A sweet story.
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
December 29, 2022
I read Kate Douglas Wiggin's Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm a couple summers ago. The story's simplicity and charm was just what I needed at that time; I remember the reading experience with fondness. I always had Wiggins in the back of my mind when looking for vintage treasures, but never really pursued her for fear of being disappointed in not finding her works. That was why I was excited to find The Old Peabody Pew in my library system. And the edition I received was great - hardback, falling apart, and lovely illustrations with each page decorated. It is a short story and can be easily read in one sitting if time allows. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend to those who have a penchant for old-fashioned, sweet romances. I wish there had been a movie adaptation made in the 1930s/1940s or even a silent film would have been nice.
December 20, 2020
a lovely, sweet, old-fashioned romance
December 26, 2022
2.75/5
Not much of a plot to this one... Not really my cup of tea but a short, cute country church Christmas romance nonetheless.
Not much of a plot to this one... Not really my cup of tea but a short, cute country church Christmas romance nonetheless.
December 20, 2025
First published in 1907. This book is now in the public domain.
The Dorcas ladies aid Society are in the middle of spiffing up the church for the upcoming holidays. This includes washing down the pews, laying some new carpet and one lady, in particular taking care of a pew that no one lays claim to any longer. This Peabody pew brings back an almost romance, for Nancy Wentworth. As hands are busy, Nancy is remembering what might’ve been.
A short story, that is a delightful read.
The Dorcas ladies aid Society are in the middle of spiffing up the church for the upcoming holidays. This includes washing down the pews, laying some new carpet and one lady, in particular taking care of a pew that no one lays claim to any longer. This Peabody pew brings back an almost romance, for Nancy Wentworth. As hands are busy, Nancy is remembering what might’ve been.
A short story, that is a delightful read.
September 21, 2013
The story line is simple... with a hint of equal rights for women weaved in. The illustrations are outstanding, and there is a frame of decorations on every page!
January 2, 2023
I got my hands on a gorgeous antique copy of The Old Peabody Pew after it was recommended to me as a Christmas read. It's not particularly Christmas-y, though it is set at Christmas, but it's a lovely story all the same. The heroine is reminiscent of some of LM Montgomery's older, gentler heroines. Not much happens, and what does happen is entirely unsurprising, but the story is sweet and gentle, and the beautiful pages (decorated with holly vines) and old book smell made for a delightful forty-five minutes or so.
January 21, 2024
This is a sweet old book, published in 1907. A little romance story in a small town, centered around the church...simple, sweet, innocent and good crack (humor). Try reading an old classic like this, it's worth it, the writing poetic in a way.
It was wonderful holding this 5th impression book in my hand and I really appreciated the old fashioned illustrations. This book belonged to my friend, Judy Berry, collector of vintage books.
It was wonderful holding this 5th impression book in my hand and I really appreciated the old fashioned illustrations. This book belonged to my friend, Judy Berry, collector of vintage books.
December 3, 2018
Christmas and a 'Dorcas society' and a long awaited culmination to a sweet romance.. This almost reminds me of one of L.M. Montgomery's short stories. Sweet and wholesome with some good old-fashioned country charm.
February 18, 2020
A simple little story. 3.5 stars.
A long desired romance, the old church gossipers, a hard working brave young woman, and an unsure unlucky but driven young man.
It’s everything you’d expect it to be, and have the ending you want. Very quick read, but also not too much intrigue to it.
A long desired romance, the old church gossipers, a hard working brave young woman, and an unsure unlucky but driven young man.
It’s everything you’d expect it to be, and have the ending you want. Very quick read, but also not too much intrigue to it.
November 21, 2017
I loved this sweet novella. Quick fun read at Christmas time.
December 21, 2017
Delightful. Just a short, sweet story with a little bit of humor and romance. Perfect for an afternoon read.
December 11, 2018
The book gets off to a bit of a slow start, but I enjoyed it.
December 5, 2019
An enjoyable story for the Advent season.
April 15, 2022
Reads like LM Montgomery. The tribute to the small town and financial struggles of said people was nice. I like her others better though.
December 3, 2023
Not as good as Romance of the Christmas Card or Birds' Christmas Carol, but still a sweet story.
October 2, 2024
Obviously written in language of the turn of the century... also a love story for the turn of the century - and that's the 1900's. A friend loaned me an original copy - 1907. It was a fun read
November 26, 2019
Delightful!
Chose this rating because I very much enjoyed this little book. The characters are delightful and the town is picturesque. Requiring a minimum number of characters does discourage sharing thoughts.
Chose this rating because I very much enjoyed this little book. The characters are delightful and the town is picturesque. Requiring a minimum number of characters does discourage sharing thoughts.
December 15, 2010
Maybe the other review I read of this story was just too glowing. Maybe I simply thought it would be different. Whatever the case, this will not be one that goes on my Christmas re-reads list. The idyllic setting can't erase the impossibilities or the irreverence. I love the descriptions of the place, but the people leave a lot to be desired. The women and the author frequently joke at the expense of men. Church gets reduced to a mere social circle with different denominations vying for more attractive buildings. And honestly, it's not romantic for a young woman to wait 10 years for an undeclared lover to return. That sounds more like foolishness to me.
November 4, 2013
Another charming Christmas tale from Kate Douglas Wiggin. This one tells the story of the Dorcas Society in a small Maine town. This is a society, formed from the women in the community, for the purpose of renovating their church building. Just before Christmas they are putting on the finishing touches; laying new carpet, washing the pews and mending the cushions. Of course there is a little love story that ends happily. I enjoyed learning about the Dorcas Society and their good works. I found the sense of community old fashioned in the very best way.
December 25, 2013
The first chapter was really good, Wiggin had some real knowledge of personality intertaction of busybodies in a small town.
The romance - well it sucked. Lots of plot holes. What happened to that farm?
Cheesy lines you would find on a 'worst pick up lines ever" website: "What's wanted, is you."
"Deep in the combs of her heart was honey waiting to be harvested."
OMG! Like Cheeze city... and predictable, too.
Was a waste of time, though the first chapter was enjoyable.
The romance - well it sucked. Lots of plot holes. What happened to that farm?
Cheesy lines you would find on a 'worst pick up lines ever" website: "What's wanted, is you."
"Deep in the combs of her heart was honey waiting to be harvested."
OMG! Like Cheeze city... and predictable, too.
Was a waste of time, though the first chapter was enjoyable.
December 21, 2024
This wasn't my first time through this little book...
I don't find it quite as engaging as "The Romance of a Christmas Card" but it was a sweet Christmas story and definitely worth repeating.
2023 - At the outset (we listened together while we made and canned 8 jars of applesauce) I told my husband that while it was a charming story I didn't think it very realistic... but I think I've changed my mind. Some elements are very real. And it made me think.
2024 - Better and better.
I don't find it quite as engaging as "The Romance of a Christmas Card" but it was a sweet Christmas story and definitely worth repeating.
2023 - At the outset (we listened together while we made and canned 8 jars of applesauce) I told my husband that while it was a charming story I didn't think it very realistic... but I think I've changed my mind. Some elements are very real. And it made me think.
2024 - Better and better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews