Reader’s Corner: Have you read ‘The Shepherd of the Hills’

Was it a coincidence that the 65th anniversary celebration of the outdoor drama at The Shepherd of the Hills coincided with the week the Evangelical Press Association convention was held in Branson? I think not. 

Occasionally, I pull out my handy soapbox and ask people who are visiting or have relocated to the Branson area, “Have you read “The Shepherd of the Hills?” Occasionally, the answer is “Yes,” but often, it’s “No.” The Adventure Park, located at 5586 W. 76 Country Blvd., west of Branson’s main “76 strip,” offers great family fun; but the historic farm, and even the names of the park attractions, have a whole deeper meaning for those who have actually read Harold Bell Wright’s 1907 novel. 

Wright came to the Ozarks in 1903 to rest for his physical health as well as to refocus on his calling to ministry. He found a warm welcome from John and Anna Ross, whose homestead and cabin are main historical features of the park today, and was so inspired and rejuvenated by the area that he spent the next several summers returning to their property, camping in the area now known as Inspiration Point. There he realized that his ministry calling would be accomplished through writing. The popularity of “The Shepherd of the Hills” shaped the Branson area, bringing tourists wanting to experience the beauty of the Ozarks and meet its people; but with its strong characters, mystery and romance, the story dealt with the conflict between good and evil and the faith and values that Wright, as a minister, wanted to share. (Another novel, “That Printer of Udell’s,” helped shape the faith of former President Ronald Reagan.) 

This writer first experienced “The Shepherd of the Hills” at my mom’s recommendation when I was about eight years old. I’ve read it many times over the subsequent decades, and I never fail to be inspired by the strength and intrigued by the mystery. In conversation with other attendees at the Evangelical Press convention, it was clear that, although we may use more tech tools, when it comes to our desire to point readers to the One who gives us hope, we share the same goal as that minister who found his way into the Ozarks more than 100 years ago. 

If you haven’t read the book, just do it! Inexpensive paperback copies are available at the park and at other gift outlets around town, or it can be ordered through major retailers. One of the roundtable participants at the Shepherd of the Hills anniversary celebration expressed it well. “I truly believe the Holy Spirit is at work through this story,” said show cast member Domingo Arvizu. “‘Dad’ Howitt was an under-shepherd, but Jesus is the true Shepherd of these hills.”