Being different is what made America the great country that the world has flocked to since its inception. Even the enemies across the globe that hate this country, still envy the spirit that made us the melting pot of the world. Nothing emphasizes the American spirit more than the American Cowboy. These hardy men and their families settled an untamed frontier bringing civilization to a new land. Whether they were cattlemen, laborers, storekeepers, soldiers, or any other category, the name cowboy is generally applied to those who lived in the 1800’s and brought life to the area.

Regardless of their occupation, the early settlers would gather wherever possible to worship and give thanks to God. They would share their fellowship in a neighboring home, a barn, and as towns developed, in the one place big enough to hold a meeting; the town saloon. Communication was limited in the early frontier days, and it was usually word of mouth that let the people know of a worship service. Communication has played a part in the growth of every prosperous church since the beginning of organized religion.

Communication has played its part in the rapid growth of Cowboy Church. From a congregation of 93 that first Sunday, Cowboy Church now reaches out to 250 million in all corners of the globe. The service is broadcast live around the world on WWCR (World Wide Country Radio). It can be seen and heard on the church’s website at: www.smokymountaincowboychurch.com and www.musiccitytelevision.com. The service is rebroadcast every Sunday morning at 5:30 a.m. Eastern time on WSM radio in Nashville, covering 26 states and parts of Canada, at 650 on the AM dial, and at the same time on www.wsmonline.com.

Music is an important part of the Cowboy Church ministry, and each week some of the best talents from Nashville, the local theaters and across the country come to Pigeon Forge to share their brand of gospel music with the world.

Diane Ticknor calls Mississauga, Canada, home for the majority of the year, but summer will find her in Nashville recharging her musical batteries. Education has been an important part of her life. She has degrees in English, Psychology, and Drama. She has studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, studied theater in London and at the University of Nice in France. She teaches school in Canada for one semester a year and utilizes her many talents the rest of the year. She does improvisational comedy, is a songwriter, an outstanding vocalist and recording artist with several CD’s to her credit. She spent several years on the road touring across Canada and the United States. She has also toured several countries in Europe, parts of Africa and entertained our troops in South Korea. She is in constant demand as a motivational speaker and recently she is able to relay her story about being a cancer survivor.

Smoky Mountain Cowboy Church is located in the Country Tonite Theatre at the corner of Parkway and Showplace Blvd. Service is at 10:00 every Sunday morning. Dress is tourist casual and admission is free. For more information, log on to the church’s website at: www.smokymountaincowboychurch.com.

Smoky Mountain Cowboy Church, "Nothing else feels quite like it." Come pass a good time and let the Good Lord know you’re thinking about him. We’ve got the coffee on.