Today marks the 60th anniversary of Davey & Goliath, the iconic children’s religious claymation series, which premiered in syndication on February 25, 1961.

In 1958, the United Lutheran Church in America, which later became part of the Lutheran Church in America, and later the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), budgeted $1 million to fund production of a children’s television program. The denomination contracted with Clokey Productions, the creator of Gumby.

The resulting claymation series starred Davey, a boy who aged somewhat as the series progressed, and his dog Goliath. Goliath was able to talk, often making futile warnings about some peril Davey was about to get himself into. For some reason, only Davey was able to hear him.

Clay figures were used, but as the series progressed, the scenes became somewhat more realistic, with fabric clothing used rather than clay. Solid heads were used throughout the show’s production.  Interchangeable heads with numerous facial expressions added a somewhat realistic look to the characters.

Luther rose. Wikipedia image.

After the duo survived some adventure, the program would often conclude with a Christian moral lesson delivered by Davey’s father, although occasionally the family’s pastor would deliver a sermonette.  While I don’t believe Davey’s family had any denominational affiliation identified during the program, the Luther Rose was displayed during the credits, and the show’s theme song was A Mighty Fortress.  I’m sure there are millions who identify the quintessential Lutheran hymn primarily as the theme song from Davey and Goliath.

Numerous episodes were made until 1975. After a hiatus, the ELCA decided in 2001 to bring the characters back. To finance the project, Davey and Goliath took on part-time jobs as commercial pitchmen for Mountain Dew. They went on to star in a 2004 Christmas special.

You can find a complete history and timeline of the series at LivingLutheran.org.  For those who wish to delve deeper into the theological significance of the series, the site also offers an excellent 8-page study guide.