This throwback of Andy Griffith and Don Knotts singing a beautiful version of ‘Church in the Wildwood’ brings such nostalgia for these simpler days gone by.
This lovely scene is from The Andy Griffith Show in 1963 and features the characters of Andy, Barney, Mr. Tucker, and Gomer Pyle.
The clip comes from episode 16 of season 3, titled “Man in a Hurry”. And as Andy Griffith and Don Knotts begin gently singing the lyrics of this lovely song, more folks join in.
“Come to the church by the wildwood
Oh, come to the church in the vale
No spot is so dear to my childhood
As the little brown church in the vale
How sweet on a clear Sabbath morning
To listen to the clear ringing bells
Its tones so sweetly are calling
Oh come to the church in the vale”
Bob Sweeney directed this particular episode, written by James Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum. Starring in the episode was Andy Griffith, Don Knotts, Robert Emhardt as Mr. Tucker, and Jim Nabors.
Musical Performances Of Andy Griffith And Don Knotts
The wonderful acting helped make this such a brilliant episode of The Andy Griffith Show. But the scene with ‘Church In The Wildwood’ was the cherry on top. This is the type of show that makes people feel nostalgic for a simpler time.
“There are a few episodes that reveal Don Knotts could sing beautiful harmony,” writes one person on YouTube. “To the Mayberry cast: thanks for the memories.”
“This song feels like ‘going home’. A feeling I hope everyone experiences,” another person writes. “We all need a place to go back to…a ‘home’.”
“Fantastic episode, and this hymn is the wonderful centerpiece,” comments another person on YouTube. “One of the few television shows which encourage and inspire good morals and the fruits of the Spirit and teach us life lessons about loving our neighbor and walking in truth and honesty.”
As you listen to Andy Griffith and Don Knotts singing ‘Church in the Wildwood’ from this episode, may the simplicity of the music fill you with peace and comfort.