Gospel Dynamite c. 1940s - C. O. Baptista Christian Animated Classic

 

"Gospel Dynamite" is a unique animated short from C.O. Baptista Film Mission of Wheaton, Illinois. Venezuelan-born Charles Octavio Baptista (1895-1964) was a pioneer in the production of Christian Missionary Films. His film used animation, visual stills, live-action, and symbolic imagery to convey the truth of the Gospel. Films and papers on C. O. Baptista are held at Wheaton College and Regent University.

A 1970s Broadman Press Media Cataloging Book

An essential part of Church or Christian Librarianship is cataloging. A recent find in my research on Christian media is this copy of "How to Classify and Catalog Media: Technical Processes 2" (1978) from Broadman Press by Jacqueline Anderson

This resource gives a 1970s window into the complex world of organizing analog  film and audio formats on all topics. I am hoping that this old guide can help me learn more vintage Christian audio visuals.

Classic E. J. Pace Cartoon - "The Way Out Of The Woods"

 

"The Way Out of the Woods" is an allegorical comic panel by Dr. E. J. Pace that teaches the way to salvation by comparing it to being delivered from being lost in the thick and dark woods. 

The first scripture comes from I Corinthians 15:3, 

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

The verses is Isaiah 55:7 which states:

"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."

"Classic E. J. Pace Cartoon" - "Dying For Want of Water"

 

"Dying For Want of Water" is one of several images published in E. J. Pace's 1922 book "Christian Cartoons". Many of us can personally relate to a garden that wilts for lack of water. We begin to grow thirsty when our souls are not quenched with the living water of Christ from the Bible. 

A Cathedral Films Easter with the "Living Christ" Series

Cathedral Films was the audiovisual ministry of the Rev. James K. Friedrich a pioneering of Christian filmmaking. The ministry's filmmaking peaked in the 1950s with the production of the "Living Christ" series, a 12 episode dramatization of the life of Christ that aired on television in 1951. According to some sources, it was the first miniseries produced for television. This series may have aired for years on television since it was produced in color. 

10 of the 12 episodes starred Robert Holton a minister's son (sometimes credited as Robert Wilson) as Christ with many reliable Hollywood supporting actors in the cast like Tyler McVey as Simon Peter, silent film veteran Gayne Whitman as Judas Iscariot, Jeanne Bates as Mary (sister of Lazurus) and Mel Marshall as John the Disciple. 

Posted below are the final 3 chapters for Easter Sunday.

Here is Chapter 10 "Retreat and Decision"

Chapter 11 is called "Triumph and Defeat"

The 12th and final chapter is called "Crucifixion and Resurrection".

Christmas Library 2020: "Christmas Is" At 50!

Just 5 years after "A Charlie Brown Christmas" the Lutheran Hour Ministries released the TV special "Christmas Is" to several television markets in 1970. This animated half hour story is about a boy named Benji who resents being cast as a shepherd in the local Christmas pageant. Benji is able to travel back in time to the little town of Bethlehem and realize the true meaning of Christmas. Included in the cast are many radio and voice acting legends like Hans Conried, June Foray, Vic Perrin, and Don Messick.  

The boy Benji and his dog Waldo would return in the sequels "Easter Is", "Freedom Is", and "The City That Forgot About Christmas"

The special is a personal favorite and I encourage families to check their local listings for this and other Lutheran Hour specials that have delighted families for decades.

The Lutheran Hour Christmas Specials are widely syndicated across American TV stations and usually air on or around Christmas Day.  Visit the Lutheran Hour TV Schedule page to find out when you can see these Christmas treasures. For more information on these and other specials visit the Christmas Library page.

Classic E. J. Pace Cartoon - "The Only Bridge That Spans This Chasm"

 Somehow I went years and years without knowing about Dr. E. J. Pace (1880 - 1946) a pioneer of Christian cartooning. Many of his works are in the public domain and I will be glad to share them regularly along with the works of Jack Hamm and many other great Christian illustrators. 

The scriptures referenced are:

John 5:24 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."

Ephesians 2:1 - "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;"

I John 3:14 - "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death."