The Old Peabody Pew, or A Christmas Romance of a Country Church

A quiet church, a forgotten pew, and a Christmas season filled with possibility — The Old Peabody Pew by Kate Douglas Wiggin draws readers into a gentle, nostalgic story where small acts of kindness open the door to second chances. As the village prepares for Christmas, the long-unused Peabody pew becomes a silent witness to memories, hopes, and lives ready to be renewed.

When Nancy Wentworth, a warm-hearted woman with a thoughtful nature, helps clean and decorate the old church, she finds herself unexpectedly drawn to the Peabody pew — once belonging to a family tied to her own past. As she polishes its worn wood and prepares it for Christmas Eve, the past stirs quietly, bringing with it reflections on love, loss, and paths not taken.

The story unfolds through tender moments rather than dramatic events: shared work, gentle conversations, and the quiet magic of a community coming together. As old misunderstandings soften and hearts open, the pew becomes a symbol of reconciliation and the enduring power of memory.

The Old Peabody Pew showcases Kate Douglas Wiggin’s gift for warmth and emotional grace, offering a timeless holiday tale about forgiveness, community, and the simple beauty of love rediscovered beneath the glow of Christmas lights.