The Fighting Preacher

Willard Bean, a former middleweight boxing champion, and his new wife, Rebecca, are called upon in 1915 by LDS Church President Joseph F. Smith to serve a five-year mission in the Eastern States. Their specific task is to relocate to Palmyra, New York, where they are entrusted with caring for the historic Joseph Smith home and farm, which recently came under church ownership, including the Sacred Grove—an important religious site. Their mission also involves the possible purchase of the Hill Cumorah, a key site in Latter-day Saint history. Despite their recent marriage and the size of this daunting challenge, they decide to accept the call with a hopeful spirit.

Upon arriving in Palmyra, the Beans settle into their new home filled with optimism but quickly realize they face fierce opposition from the local residents. The town’s merchants refuse to sell them goods, forcing the Beans to travel to neighboring towns for supplies. Additionally, Rebecca, who is now pregnant, struggles to find a local midwife willing to assist with her delivery. After several tense days, a sympathetic woman who respects the church offers help, leading to the birth of their daughter, whom they name Palmyra.

Willard makes determined efforts to connect with local landowners, particularly the two owners of the Hill Cumorah. However, one owner demands an impossible price, while the other vehemently refuses to sell, even threatening Willard with a shotgun and vowing, “Never sell to the Mormons—Never!” Despite their perseverance, six years pass with little progress in gaining acceptance from the community. The mission is extended, and life remains challenging for the Beans. They enroll Palmyra in school, where she faces bullying and rejection, with her teacher forcing her to sit in a nailed-down desk facing the window and excluding her from play with other children.

Despite these hardships, the Beans’ resilience and earnest efforts to bridge the gap with their neighbors persist. Willard, drawing on his boxing background, hosts a match to challenge local fighters. The town sees this as an opportunity to finally drive out the “Mormons,” but Willard easily defeats all challengers in rapid succession. This display, however, only deepens the locals’ resentment, and the situation remains strained.

Gradually, the approach of love and kindness begins to open hearts. Rebecca bakes pies to share with neighbors, including the “Never” who still threatens with his shotgun. Willard starts helping neighbors with farm chores and home repairs, giving away produce and offering assistance without expectation. Rebecca volunteers with the Red Cross and cares for a sick elderly woman, embodying compassion. Palmyra creates a cloth doll for a girl at school who had previously taunted her, symbolizing her desire to foster friendship.

Their sincere kindness gradually softens the community’s attitude. The hostility diminishes, and Palmyra is finally included in play with other children. The tide turns further when the owner of part of Hill Cumorah, who had previously demanded an exorbitant sum, passes away, and his heirs sell their share at a reasonable price. The remaining owner, “Never,” is so moved by Rebecca’s kindness that he apparently gifts his portion of the hill to the church.

Years later, in 1939, the Beans receive a letter from church headquarters thanking them for their dedicated service and releasing them from their mission. By this time, they have become cherished members of the Palmyra community. Willard has even served as the president of the Lion’s Club, and the town hosts a heartfelt farewell ceremony in their honor. The people declare that the Beans will never be forgotten, recognizing their unwavering efforts and the positive impact they had on the community and its history.

Throughout their journey, the Beans exemplify perseverance, compassion, and faith, turning rejection into acceptance through acts of kindness and genuine love, ultimately fulfilling their sacred duty in the sacred lands of Palmyra.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:12