# Mr. Tozer — Salem Chapel character guide

> Mr. Tozer in Salem Chapel by Margaret Oliphant.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Not Tozer, Poor Tozer, Only Tozer, dear Tozer, Dear Tozer

**First appearance:** 0000-i

## Snapshot

A butterman turned deacon whose bluff self-importance and genuine generosity make him the young minister's most useful and most exhausting ally in Salem.

## Who they are

Tozer stands at the center of chapel politics, a tradesman whose credit and character carry weight among the congregation and whose loyalty to Vincent is both a lifeline and a trial. He offers bail, pledges to 'pull you through,' and then basks so openly in his own magnanimity that gratitude sticks in the minister's throat. His maxim 'duty afore pleasure' and his sturdy, self-congratulating decency make him the story's comic and moral anchor — the man who keeps Vincent tethered to Salem even as Salem tests him.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/salem_chapel_se/chapters/i)

The host, who awaits the minister at the door in his Sunday black suit and white tie.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/salem_chapel_se/chapters/iv)

Advises Vincent to preach a 'coorse' of sermons and warns him about the dangers of marrying a woman too grand for her station.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/salem_chapel_se/chapters/vii)

Buzzes approbation of Vincent's sermon, believing it was hard-won; part of the deacons who praise the minister.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/salem_chapel_se/chapters/viii)

Delighted by Vincent's lectures, considers him a credit to the chapel, and later asks Vincent if he wants the gas turned off.

### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/salem_chapel_se/chapters/xviii)

Mentioned as having sent an invitation to Mr. Beecher for tea; a leading member of the Salem congregation.

### [Chapter XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/salem_chapel_se/chapters/xxiv)

Present in Vincent's rooms upon his return, acting as a friend and attempting to manage the situation.

### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/salem_chapel_se/chapters/xxv)

Returns with news of the investigation, advises secrecy, and offers to stand by Vincent despite suspecting Susan's guilt.

### [Chapter XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/salem_chapel_se/chapters/xxvi)

Waits for Vincent below; represents the Salem congregation's judgment.

### [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/salem_chapel_se/chapters/xxvii)

Advises Vincent to preach as if nothing happened; later tries to rally the deacons to support Vincent.

### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/salem_chapel_se/chapters/xxxi)

Accompanies Vincent from the magistrate's office, encourages him to visit chapel folks, and stands by the fire with complacence.

### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/salem_chapel_se/chapters/xxxiii)

Visits to confront Vincent about neglecting his visiting duties, but is swayed by Mrs. Vincent's warning that Arthur might resign, fearing the loss of the chapel's newfound popularity.

### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/salem_chapel_se/chapters/xxxv)

Walks up the aisle to give the meeting notice; embarrassed and uncomfortable in the pulpit.

### [The Meeting at Salem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/salem_chapel_se/chapters/xxxvi)

Rises to deliver a famous speech defending Vincent, accusing the congregation of being dictated to and not knowing when they are well off.

### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/salem_chapel_se/chapters/xxxviii)

Visits Vincent to report the congregation's support, but is rebuffed as Vincent remains determined to resign.

### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/salem_chapel_se/chapters/xxxix)

Interrupts the confrontation with a complaint about a woman seeking relief from Salem charities, providing a distraction that allows Mrs. Mildmay to slip away with Mrs. Vincent.

### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/salem_chapel_se/chapters/xl)

Approaches Vincent with a proposal to turn the evening meeting into a tea-meeting, hoping to smooth over tensions at Salem.

### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/salem_chapel_se/chapters/xlii)

Arranges the tea meeting with evergreen wreaths and a 'Love one another' text, hoping to conciliate Vincent; he is forced to chair the meeting when Vincent refuses.

### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/salem_chapel_se/chapters/xliii)

Part of the deputation offering Vincent increased salary; deeply moved during Vincent's final sermon, wiping his face with a red handkerchief; absent from Salem for three Sundays afterward.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/salem_chapel_se/characters/mr_tozer
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/salem_chapel_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/salem_chapel_se/characters