top of page
THE VOICE OF GOODWILL
The Oldest African American Gospel Program on the airwaves of television in the Southern United States
Televised every Sunday ON WLBT, NBC 3 at 5:30am in Jackson and WHLT CBS 22, at 6:30 AM in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Reaching over 1 million lives each week.
WITH
BROTHER RAY MAGEE
The Voice of Goodwill is the Oldest African American Gospel Program on the airwaves of television in the Southern United States; quiet possibly the first in the entire United States and the longest running in America; celebrating over sixty years of continuous broadcasting. The ministry was organized in 1949 by the late Rev. Nathan Wheeler and Dr. Laurence C. Jones, who also founded the Piney Woods School at Piney Woods, Mississippi. Bro Ray MaGee's debut via television began at age six and he has been the primary host and executive producer of the ministry the past forty years. The Voice of Goodwill is the first African American "gospel" ministry to emerge over the airwaves of radio and television in the Southern United States, beginning in Mississippi. Its arrival appeared during a time when it was very unpopular and, perhaps, dangerous for blacks to become visible on television or radio. The broadcast began in 1952 on Radio WBKH in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The amazement (especially within the black community; this was an unbelievable "never before" thing!) that a "black" voice eminating over the air-waves was achievable! The fifteen minutes program attracted to WBKH a listening audience that excelled any other program of that format or that of other local radio stations at 7:15 on Sunday mornings. Afterwards, when the ministry advanced in 1955 via WDAM TV, then channel nine, in Hattiesburg, unimaginable calamity would befall those involved with the ministry for a long time to come. The ministry and members were confronted with various forms of intimidation and ridicule.
Rev. Nathan Wheeler
Dr. Laurence Jones
The Mission:
A non-profit sharing religious corporation, preaching, praying and singing goodwill to all races and creeds also to promote racial harmony between the races.
The VOICE OF GOODWILL's founding minister, Rev. Nathan Wheeler and singers/participants experienced a period of uncontrollable actions on the part of dissidents who fiercely objected to their goal and mission of bringing the word of God, music and scriptures via radio and television to a sphere of believers who were either unable to attend church on a regular basis, shut-ins and others who needed encouragement based on the teachings of Christ. "Y'all can do that in your churches, in y'all's houses, on the street corners or in the pastures", the group was warned "...but I be john brown if you gonna do that over the radio or on television!" They were bombarded with obscenities and objects were hurled at their vehicle while traveling to and from the studio and engagements. There were also several occasions where they were run off the road, received written and telephonic threats and the founder, Rev. Nathan Wheeler's, home was suspiciously burned.As a result of an accident in which Rev. Wheeler's vehicle was rammed and forced off the road, he was hospitalized. There was a myriad of suspects during this turbulent period by groups opposing Negroes having a high profile and such a successful production as this one; however, because of the racial climate and their beliefs, the group chose to follow the way of peace. Many would have given up but they were determined then, as now, to continue to spread "good-will" and be the "voice" of believers seeking to save the lost. Bro. Ray MaGee, who presently produce and host the VOICE OF GOODWILL television ministry, recalls his response when questioned: "What is your proudest moment of the VOICE OF GOODWILL?"..." Dr. Laurence Jones inculcated within us at Piney Woods School, 'As others have helped to make a better way for you, go forth from Piney Woods with determination to make a better way for others' and that is what we have tried to do in this ministry. When I see how the Lord protected and sustained us through the difficult times and sixty years later we are still here; evidently, He is pleased with what we are doing...The historical VOICE OF GOODWILL must be sanctioned by our Lord!! I am thankful and proud to be a part of its history; yet, I am most proud by the fact that every African American program that's on the airwaves today, the VOICE OF GOODWILL plays a MAJOR role in helping to pave the way for each of them, as we were the very first!"......
bottom of page