“Although religion remained a potent force in many individual lives, the structure of religious authority changed demonstrably with revivalism; with the emergence of new denominations, sects, and even religious cults” (Davidson 71).

“‘No,’ he answered, ‘she was not a leading member there, that she had been set aside for impudence, and imprudence of conduct,’ or something like that, when the fact was that this same woman had been considered as a leading member in that society for more than twenty years, that she had been of great service in the cause of methodism in Providence particularly, and it is believed by many has done more towards building up the Methodist society in that town than any three persons who could be named” (Williams 47). 

Connecting Davidson’s point about the changing structure in religious communities to the novel, it is clear that Williams was heavily influenced by this cultural context while writing Fall River. Not only is this religious shift seen in the plot of the story, but it is also seen influencing Williams and her view of religious authorities (especially in the Methodist community).