 Set in rural 1840s Scotland, the film explores on labor and class issues while telling the story of Gavin Dishart, a staid cleric who is newly assigned to Thrums' Auld Licht church, and Babbie, a member of the nobility who disguises herself as a gypsy girl in order to interact freely with the local villagers and protect them from her betrothed, Lord Rintoul, who wants to keep them under his control.The townsfolk christen Dishart “The Little Minister” on his arrival because of his youth (this is his first parish) and his short stature.Initially the conservative Dishart is appalled by the feisty girl, but he soon comes to appreciate her inner goodness.