Angel in My Pocket

Samuel D. Whitehead, a former Marine and seminary graduate, is excited to become the pastor of the Church of the Redeemer. He views this as a significant calling, but quickly learns that the position will be more challenging than expected. His enthusiasm is high as he arrives in town for his new role.

Soon after arriving, Whitehead encounters chaos when a political rally associated with the upcoming mayoral election erupts into a physical fight. The sheriff fails to control the brawl, and Sam attempts to intervene but is struck in the face. He then drives to see the church, already beginning his difficulties in town.

Whitehead visits the church and finds it in dire need of renovation. He discovers a longstanding feud between the Sinclair and Gresham families, which hampers any efforts to improve the church or resolve community problems. The tension between these families shapes much of his experience there.

During his first sermon, Whitehead preaches against physical violence, hoping to promote peace. However, most of the brawlers present, including one who blames him for making himself vulnerable, take offense. His message does not seem to calm the town’s unrest.

Whitehead tries to acquire a new organ for the church, but the effort leads to confrontation. Two town gossips witness him obtaining the instrument from a house of Burlesque, fueling rumors and straining his relationships with the church board. This adds to his ongoing challenges.

Sam's brother-in-law Bubba offers to repair the church's old boiler, but inadvertently transforms it into a still producing raisin jack moonshine. This unintended consequence further complicates Whitehead's efforts to improve the church and maintain order in the town.

Sam removes his children from the local school after seeing poor conditions, prompting pressure from his bishop to stay out of town affairs. He also performs a secret marriage between members of the feuding families, which leads to chaos when the secret is revealed at a church social.

The revelation of the marriage sparks a physical altercation between the Sinclair and Gresham families at the church, with Whitehead trying to restrain them. Soon after, the bishop intervenes, informing him of his removal from the pastorate, marking a major setback in his mission.

In a last effort to turn things around, Whitehead persuades Attorney Art Shields to run for mayor as a write-in candidate. Just before the election, the church's still explodes and the building burns down, with fire hoses failing to contain the blaze—symbolizing the chaos and destruction that have engulfed his efforts.

After the fire and the chaos, Whitehead and his family begin to move out of Wood Falls, feeling defeated. Art Shields, however, announces his election victory, giving Whitehead a glimmer of hope, but he firmly states he needs a new church and a fresh start elsewhere.

As Whitehead prepares to leave, Will Sinclair and Axel Gresham, symbolically reconciled, arrive with building materials and ask him to stay. They express their desire to rebuild the church together, offering Whitehead hope for future peace and community rebuilding.