The Gospel Bill Show
Encyclopedia
The Gospel Bill Show is a Christian-values based television show that was produced by Willie George Ministries from 1981 to 1993. It was broadcast on the CBN
and TBN
, and is currently seen on Daystar
, Smile of a Child
, and in syndication on other small Christian television stations.
Before the Elmer Barnes character was introduced, Jeff Merrill appeared on early episodes of the show as a geological surveyor, who advised Luther Bedlow of gold deposits to be found underneath Dry Gulch.
John Witty and Rodney Lynch also appeared as the town doctor in several episodes.
references to the present day, such as television and answering machine, which did not exist back when the show was supposed to be set. Dry Gulch was so named because the citizens voted it as a "dry" city (i.e., one which prohibited alcohol sales).
s, most notably Oogene and his sister Jeannie Mae.
and "It's God" by Kellie Copeland Swisher (daughter of Kenneth Copeland
), as well as "The Joy of the Lord" where Blount is joined by unnamed puppets wearing blue and orange-striped shirts. An unknown band was occasionally seen opposite Blount in some later videos.
At the end of most shows, Gospel Bill reappeared with props in hand to spell out a lesson to the viewer, generally relating to the main plot of the episode. He would often use the props as a visual aid to demonstrate a particular concept he is emphasizing. In some later episodes, Nicodemus will give the lesson instead of Gospel Bill.
. Dry Gulch is a Western-themed camp for children. Dry Gulch is a place where children can experience God.
Bill Gunter is a United States Marshall in the difficult days of the Oklahoma Indian Territory. Striving to maintain a strong Christian testimony in the midst of lawlessness, Gunter is a powerful role model for young children. The action, excitement and romance of the Old West combined with solid Biblical principles for the unforgettable viewing experience
).
Christian Broadcasting Network
The Christian Broadcasting Network, or CBN, is a fundamentalist Christian television broadcasting network in the United States. Its headquarters and main studios are in Virginia Beach, Virginia.-Background:...
and TBN
Trinity Broadcasting Network
The Trinity Broadcasting Network is a major American Christian television network. TBN is based in Costa Mesa, California, with auxiliary studio facilities in Irving, Texas; Hendersonville, Tennessee; Gadsden, Alabama; Decatur, Georgia; Miami, Florida; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Orlando, Florida; and New...
, and is currently seen on Daystar
Daystar Television Network
The Daystar Television Network is an American evangelical Christian television religious broadcasting network headquartered near Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Bedford, Texas...
, Smile of a Child
Smile of a Child
Smile of a Child TV is a Christian children's channel affiliated with Trinity Broadcasting Network that offers programming 24 hours per day, seven days a week...
, and in syndication on other small Christian television stations.
Characters
- Gospel Bill (Willie GeorgeWillie GeorgeWillie George is the founding and lead pastor of Church on the Move in Tulsa, Oklahoma.Born and raised in Texas, George converted to Christianity while in high school. He and his wife, Deleva, have been married over 30 years...
) – the sheriff of Dry Gulch. Bill serves both as representative of the law and as moral guidance counselor to the citizens of Dry Gulch. - Nicodemus (Ken Blount) – deputy and sidekick of Gospel Bill. Nicodemus was once a drunk of ill-repute who was sobered up by Bill and reaffirmed as a born-again Christian. Nicodemus is easily swayed by various shysters, but Gospel Bill serves as his moral compass when temptations arise.
- Miss Lana (Lana Osborn) – runs the town's general store, which doubles as a telegraph office. She serves as the town's maternal figure, although in the series she is not known to have any husband or children.
- Elmer Barnes (Jeff Merrill) – a citizen of Dry Gulch who is friends with the main characters. He is portrayed as somewhat mentally challenged and is often confused on Biblical matters. He has two pet worms, Inky and Dinky (which he often carries on his person, though they are unseen characterUnseen characterIn fiction, an unseen character is a character that is never directly observed by the audience but is only described by other characters. They are a common device in drama and have been called "triumphs of theatrical invention". They are continuing characters — characters who are currently in...
s) and his primary concern is "goin' fishin'". - T. U. Tutwater (Daine Demaree) – the mayor of Dry Gulch as well as the president of the Dry Gulch Bank and Trust. He represented secular interests such as pride and greed and usually mocked Gospel Bill's religious views, though he would not engage in illegal acts. In later episodes, Demaree (who moved to California to pastor a church) was replaced by John Witty and the character's name was changed to T. W. Tutwater.
- Luther Bedlow (also played by George, but credited as "himself") – the stock villainVillainA villain is an "evil" character in a story, whether a historical narrative or, especially, a work of fiction. The villain usually is the antagonist, the character who tends to have a negative effect on other characters...
of the show. He usually attempts to engage in criminal activity but is always foiled by Gospel Bill. - Orville Cornpone (Rodney Lynch) – served in early episodes as Bedlow's dim-witted henchmanHenchmanHenchman referred originally to one who attended on a horse for his employer, that is, a horse groom. Hence, like constable and marshal, also originally stable staff, henchman became the title of a subordinate official in a royal court or noble household...
who would usually cause Bedlow to be unsuccessful in his criminal activities. Cornpone later experienced a religious conversion (courtesy of Gospel Bill) and thereafter played a morally upstanding character (though Bedlow would attempt to recruit him back to villainy). - Wichita Slim (Kenneth CopelandKenneth CopelandKenneth Copeland is an American author, public speaker, and televangelist. He is the founder of Kenneth Copeland Ministries, which preaches a “prosperity gospel”: "Prosperity gospel assures followers that the more they give including in the form of tithes to the church, the more they will receive...
) – a tough as nails, but gentlemanly U.S. Marshall who comes through town and helps with the most difficult problems they occasionally face. - Miss Trudi Lou (Trudi Blount) – a minor character to whom Nicodemus often refers as the woman he hopes to woo someday. (Trudi Blount is Ken Blount's real life wife.)
- Ferman Farnsworth (Willie George; though often credited as "himself") – a minor character (though often referenced) who played Nicodemus' boss.
- Barkamaeus – an anthropomorphic human-sized talking dog who wore a cowboy hat and vest. He only appeared in early episodes of the show.
Before the Elmer Barnes character was introduced, Jeff Merrill appeared on early episodes of the show as a geological surveyor, who advised Luther Bedlow of gold deposits to be found underneath Dry Gulch.
John Witty and Rodney Lynch also appeared as the town doctor in several episodes.
Premise
The Gospel Bill Show was set in the fictional town of Dry Gulch, portrayed as being in the Old West. However, there were many anachronisticAnachronism
An anachronism—from the Greek ανά and χρόνος — is an inconsistency in some chronological arrangement, especially a chronological misplacing of persons, events, objects, or customs in regard to each other...
references to the present day, such as television and answering machine, which did not exist back when the show was supposed to be set. Dry Gulch was so named because the citizens voted it as a "dry" city (i.e., one which prohibited alcohol sales).
Format
The show would center around a topic, where Gospel Bill would be heavily involved in providing moral guidance to one of the citizens (usually Nicodemus or Elmer Barnes) and/or preventing catastrophe (mainly stopping Luther Bedlow's criminal activities).Oogene and Jeannie Mae segments
A typical episode would be interrupted several times by puppet segments depicting Biblical stories as well as the adventures of Oogene, a young boy who squabbles with his sister Jeannie Mae (but the fights are always resolved by a moral lesson) and narrates "Oogene at the Zoo", in which Oogene studies an animal and relates its role to a lesson from the Bible ("Oogene at the Farm" replaced the "Oogene at the Zoo" segment in some later episodes). Segments with Oogene and Jeannie tend to be unique, but the zoo and farm field pieces are repeated frequently throughout the series as filler for the show. Willie George voiced the majority of the various puppet skitPuppet skit
A Puppet Skit is a short play that is performed using one or more puppets as characters. Because of the uniqueness of bringing an inanimate object to life, these skits are generally humorous....
s, most notably Oogene and his sister Jeannie Mae.
Music video and lesson
The episode would also feature a Christian song and music video (usually by Ken Blount) towards the end of the show. Sometimes he would appear in character as Nicodemus, but often he will appear as himself, singing about a dramatic story which is acted out by others. Some of the music videos not contributed by Blount included the songs, "We've Got the Power" by longtime KCM worship leader Len MinkLen Mink
Len Mink is a Christian evangelist and musician. He is the president and founder of Len Mink Ministries, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He and his wife Cathy have a weekly television program entitled Len and Cathy on the TCT television network, which is carried in 173 countries on Sky Angel channel 133...
and "It's God" by Kellie Copeland Swisher (daughter of Kenneth Copeland
Kenneth Copeland
Kenneth Copeland is an American author, public speaker, and televangelist. He is the founder of Kenneth Copeland Ministries, which preaches a “prosperity gospel”: "Prosperity gospel assures followers that the more they give including in the form of tithes to the church, the more they will receive...
), as well as "The Joy of the Lord" where Blount is joined by unnamed puppets wearing blue and orange-striped shirts. An unknown band was occasionally seen opposite Blount in some later videos.
At the end of most shows, Gospel Bill reappeared with props in hand to spell out a lesson to the viewer, generally relating to the main plot of the episode. He would often use the props as a visual aid to demonstrate a particular concept he is emphasizing. In some later episodes, Nicodemus will give the lesson instead of Gospel Bill.
Adventures in Dry Gulch
Later episodes of the show were titled as "Adventures in Dry Gulch" rather than "The Gospel Bill Show", many of which did not feature Willie George at all. Instead, Nicodemus would be in charge while Gospel Bill is "out of town" on some unspecified task.Episode list
- God Gives Back - Ken Blount: In The Name of Jesus
- There's Still Hope - Ken Blount: You're A Christian
- Power of Agreement - At the Zoo with Oogene: Ostrich - Ken Blount: You Are My Inspiration
- He Sent His Word and Healed Them - Ken Blount: All Hail King Jesus
- Don't Trust in Riches - Ken Blount: We Worship and Adore
- The Worst Temptation
- To Cheat or Not, Part 1
- To Cheat or Not, Part 2 - Ken Blount: You Are My Inspiration
- All Things Through Christ - Len Mink: We've Got The Power
- Praise God When Trouble Comes
- To Tell the Truth - Ken Blount: Nothing But The Blood
- Receiving by Faith - Ken Blount: You Are My Inspiration
- It Pays to Work
- The New Birth
- The Reward of Stinginess
- The Power of the Tongue
- Treasures in Heaven - At the Zoo with Oogene: Zebra - Ken Blount: Fear Not
- If God Be for Us
- Agreement Equals Power
- Overcoming Faith
- Control Your Thoughts - At the Zoo with Oogene: Koala Bear - Ken Blount: Don't Let the Devil Steal Your Joy
- Babies Make Mistakes
- Elmer Finds His Gift
- There's No Such Thing As Monsters
- Never Give Up
- Deadly Disobedience - At the Zoo with Oogene: Ostrich - Ken Blount feat. Unnamed Puppets: The Joy of the Lord
- Nic and the Faith Saddle
- Rejoice in the Lord
- Angels Watching over Me
- Put Off Temptation
- The Root of Bitterness
- Words of Healing
Dry Gulch, USA
Shortly after The Gospel Bill Show hit the airwaves, Willie George opened Dry Gulch, USA in Adair, OklahomaAdair, Oklahoma
Adair is a town in Mayes County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 790 at the 2010 census, compared to 704 at the 2000 census. Named for two prominent Cherokee brothers, the town was established in 1883 and opened a Cherokee school.-History:...
. Dry Gulch is a Western-themed camp for children. Dry Gulch is a place where children can experience God.
Videos
Willie George Ministries launched three direct-to-video spin-offs of The Gospel Bill show:- The Candy StoreThe Candy StoreThe Candy Store was a television show that was a tie-in to The Gospel Bill Show and which shared some of that show's characters. The Candy Store, just as The Gospel Bill Show was a part of Willie George Ministries.-Characters:*Miss Lana*Nicodemus...
: A program for pre-schoolers that featured Miss Lana and Nicodemus as well as a newcomer, Lefty Wright (Jim Wideman).
- Bill Gunter, U.S. Marshal: A more traditional western-style program that was shot on location at Dry Gulch, USA. Gospel Bill is re-named Bill Gunter, while the other characters retain their names. Bill Gunter, U.S. Marshal is not as campy as The Gospel Bill Show, and takes itself much more seriously. Besides not being shot on a sound stage the show looks and feels more like a traditional western and not as much of a kids show. Although the series was intended for 6-to-12-year-olds. It was great for adults as well. The show was sold strictly as part of a video club and was sold at Church on the Move later on as well.
Bill Gunter is a United States Marshall in the difficult days of the Oklahoma Indian Territory. Striving to maintain a strong Christian testimony in the midst of lawlessness, Gunter is a powerful role model for young children. The action, excitement and romance of the Old West combined with solid Biblical principles for the unforgettable viewing experience
- The Cimarron Trail: Contrary to popular belief this show was not a new series but was actually the Bill Gunter U.S. Marshal series renamed. Paster George had wanted the series to be called this originally but when shooting for the series began it was relayed to him that the name The Cimarron Trail was copyrighted and could not be used for the name. While Paster George did not like using the name Bill Gunter U.S. Marshall it was the name chosen at the time. Later on towards the end of the series it was found out that the name The Cimarron Trail was not taken or copyrighted so the series was renamed as Paster Willie George had wanted it to be.
The Wichita Slim Trilogy
In addition to the aforementioned spinoffs, there were also three related movies. The cast was left mainly intact, but the Gospel Bill/Bill Gunter character was now teamed up with (now U.S. Marshall) Wichita Slim (Kenneth CopelandKenneth Copeland
Kenneth Copeland is an American author, public speaker, and televangelist. He is the founder of Kenneth Copeland Ministries, which preaches a “prosperity gospel”: "Prosperity gospel assures followers that the more they give including in the form of tithes to the church, the more they will receive...
).
- The Gunslinger, which revolves around a shooting where Wichita Slim is injured and loses his memory, causing him to temporarily revert to his outlaw ways. (This was the only movie in the trilogy to be completed during the show's run)
- Covenant Rider involves the two Marshalls efforts to rescue Bill Gunter's nephew, who was kidnapped by outlaws associated with Saul Gillespe (guest star: fellow televangelist Jesse DuplantisJesse DuplantisJesse Duplantis is an Evangelical Charismatic Christian minister based in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S., and the founder of Jesse Duplantis Ministries.-Biography :...
).
- The Treasure of Eagle Mountain concerns a treasure left by a retired (and seriously wounded) lawman to his jaded son, and the efforts to find it. (The name is a reference to Eagle Mountain LakeEagle Mountain LakeEagle Mountain Lake is a freshwater lake in North Texas. The lake was created by damming the West Fork of the Trinity River and sits below Lake Bridgeport and above Lake Worth . The lake dam was finished on October 24, 1932. In 1965, the District voters approved a bond issue to allow the District...
, located near Copeland's ministry headquarters northwest of Fort Worth, TexasFort Worth, TexasFort Worth is the 16th-largest city in the United States of America and the fifth-largest city in the state of Texas. Located in North Central Texas, just southeast of the Texas Panhandle, the city is a cultural gateway into the American West and covers nearly in Tarrant, Parker, Denton, and...
.)