Wilson Knox
Character History
He is the current pastor at Odyssey Community Church. He worked for a humanitarian aid organization that monitored human right abuses in prisons around the world. The organization got Wilson access into the Sang Wing prison camp in Burmese, under the alias Cho.
Childhood
Wilson Knox grew up in Provenance, North Carolina, where he attended school alongside John Avery Whittaker (Whit), Emmy Capello, and Jack Allen.
The Young Whit Book, The Traitors Treasure, presents a dramatically different picture of Wilson Knox’s childhood compared to what was previously established in "No Friend Like an Old Friend". Instead of being a rigid rule-follower who clashed with Whit over his strict sense of morality, young Wilson is depicted as a full-fledged school bully and extortionist. Rather than enforcing rules, he manipulated and intimidated his classmates, forcing them to pay him for science project assistance and punishing those who refused. He had a sidekick, Arty Moore, who echoed his words and backed up his threats, further solidifying Wilson’s role as a feared and dominant figure at school.
At first glance, these two depictions seem completely incompatible. However, if we view Wilson’s character as one that evolved over time, the differences can be reconciled into a more complex transformation arc. It’s possible that Wilson started as a school bully, using intimidation and manipulation to get what he wanted. At some point—perhaps after a humiliating public defeat by Whit and Emmy—he may have lost his influence over the school, forcing him to reinvent himself. To overcompensate for his past, he may have swung in the opposite direction, becoming a strict rule-enforcer who upheld the system he had once exploited. His later reputation as a tattletale and legalist may have been his way of proving—to himself and others—that he had “changed.” However, at this stage, he still did not truly understand grace or forgiveness, only rules.
Marriage to Charlotte Whittaker
Wilson’s most profound personal transformation came through his relationship with Charlotte "Charlie" Whittaker, Whit’s younger sister. Charlie played an instrumental role in his faith journey, leading him to Christ and showing him the importance of grace over legalism. When Wilson and Charlotte became engaged, Charlotte, who still viewed Wilson as the same bully from their childhood. Whit did not believe Wilson was worthy of his sister and openly opposed the engagement.
Despite Whit’s protests, Charlotte and Wilson were determined to be together. Whit and his wife Jenny planned an elaborate wedding, inviting the entire town and sparing no expense. However, before the ceremony could take place, Wilson and Charlotte eloped, wanting to begin their life together immediately. Whit was furious when he discovered their decision, accusing them of being selfish and ungrateful—unaware of the real reason behind their urgency.
Shortly after their marriage, Charlotte succumbed to advanced cancer, a diagnosis she had known about but had chosen to keep from Whit. She and Wilson had eloped so they could be married for as long as possible, even if only for a few weeks. When Whit learned the truth, he was devastated, realizing that his last words to his sister had been spoken in anger. At Charlotte’s funeral, Wilson and Whit finally reconciled, with Whit apologizing for his hostility.
In the wake of Charlotte’s passing, Wilson’s life took a new direction. He abandoned his previous plans for a conventional ministry and instead dedicated himself to a life of missionary work, traveling wherever he was needed to plant churches and minister to those in need.
Missionary Years & Call to Odyssey
For many years, Wilson traveled across the United States and abroad as an itinerant pastor, seeking out communities in need of spiritual guidance. His missionary work took him to remote towns, foreign countries, and unexpected places, often arriving by motorcycle rather than traditional means. He became known for his willingness to serve in difficult conditions, bringing both the Gospel and practical assistance to struggling communities.
One of Wilson’s most memorable missionary experiences took place in San Poco, a small village plagued by cartel violence and corruption. There, he worked alongside Pastor Alejandro Murrieta, a local minister who was trying to build a church and community center despite threats from a powerful cartel leader. Wilson’s presence in San Poco put him in danger, but his faith and determination helped inspire the villagers to stand firm. In recognition of his impact, Pastor Murrieta later sent Wilson a jar of dirt from the church’s groundbreaking ceremony, symbolizing the spiritual connection between their congregations.
After many years on the road, Wilson eventually settled in Odyssey, accepting the role of pastor at Odyssey Community Church. It was the first time he had ever held a formal pastoral position, and he initially struggled with the idea of leading a single congregation rather than constantly moving from place to place. However, he soon found that his experience as a missionary had uniquely prepared him to shepherd a diverse and ever-changing community like Odyssey.
Personality & Traits
Wilson is known for his gentle wisdom, patience, and ability to see the good in people. He is a firm believer in grace over rules, a perspective shaped by both his childhood experiences and his journey through faith. While he once had a rigid, black-and-white view of morality, his time as a missionary taught him that people are complex and in need of compassion, not condemnation.
A defining trait of Wilson’s character is his dry wit and love of literature, particularly the works of Mark Twain. He often references Twain’s wisdom in conversation, using humor to make profound points. Despite his deep knowledge and intelligence, he is humble and self-aware, never presenting himself as having all the answers.
Wilson has a fondness for travel and adventure, and although he has settled in Odyssey, his past as a missionary continues to shape his perspective and approach to ministry. He is also not particularly tech-savvy, often struggling with smartphones and modern gadgets, preferring books and personal interactions over digital communication.
Family
- Main article: Whittaker family
Wilsons family has roots in colonial North Carolina. His Uncle was Milo Knox, a criminal, and his grandfather was Thaddeus Knox, a Civil War Veteran and a traitor.
Wilson Knox was married to Whit's sister Charlotte and as a result is Whit's brother-in-law, and Uncle to Jerry, Jason, and Janna.
Gallery
Quotes
“ | Jason Whittaker: Maybe we're getting too hung up on the word fall. Maybe it doesn't mean that one of them is going to fall down a mountain. Wilson Knox: Yes I thought of that. Jason Whittaker: I mean falling could mean a lot of things. Somebody falls from grace, or falls from favor. Wilson Knox: Or falls out of faith |
” |
“ | Wilson Knox: It took me a long time to realize that being right isn't always the same thing as being loving. |
” |
“ | Zoe Grant: I remember once in Connie’s Bible study, she talked about the Holy Spirit. She said that the Holy Spirit convicts us when we do wrong; makes us feel bad when we sin. Wilson Knox: That’s true. Zoe Grant: So if we sin and don’t feel bad about it, it’s a sign you’re not letting the Holy Spirit work in you. |
” |
“ | Jason Whittaker: huh. But all three of those girls are strong in their faith. Wilson Knox: I know, but we're foolish if we start thinking that there are people that Satan can't deceive. We should keep our eyes open. Jason Whittaker: Yes. Wilson Knox: And pray. We need to pray |
” |
“ | Wilson Knox: You see Connie, when people face situations like I did with Ave and Al and like you are with Jules. We love to pray, Lord change them. When what we really should be praying is Lord change me. It's all part of learning to see people through God's eyes. |
” |
Notes
As per Phil Lollar, Wilson Knox's name is inspired by two Christian theologians: American pastor and writer Douglas Wilson (1953-), and Scottish Reformer John Knox (1514-1572).
Episodes
All (29) · Cole Sand (2017) · Joey Richter (2018) · Tucker Meek (2020) · Gregory Jbara (2017-2024) |
|
|
Album Appearances
Wilson Knox has appeared in the following albums:
- Family Portraits
- The Lost Episodes
- Album 01: The Adventure Begins
- Album 02: The Wildest Summer Ever
- Album 03: Heroes
- Album 04: FUN-damentals
- Album 05: Daring Deeds, Sinister Schemes
- Album 06: Mission: Accomplished
- Album 07: On Thin Ice
- Album 08: Beyond Expectations
- Album 09: Just in Time
- Album 10: Other Times, Other Places
- Album 11: It’s Another Fine Day...
- Album 12: At Home and Abroad
- Album 13: It All Started When...
- Album 14: Meanwhile, in Another Part of Town
- Album 15: A Place of Wonder
- Album 16: Flights of Imagination
- Album 17: On Earth as It Is in Heaven
- Album 18: A Time of Discovery
- Album 19: Passport to Adventure
- Album 20: A Journey of Choices
- Album 21: Wish You Were Here!
- Album 22: The Changing Times
- Album 23: Twists and Turns
- Album 24: Risks and Rewards
- Album 25: Darkness Before Dawn
- Album 26: Back on the Air
- Album 27: The Search for Whit
- Album 28: Welcome Home!
- Album 29: Signed, Sealed and Committed
- Album 30: Through Thick and Thin
- Album 31: Days to Remember
- Album 32: Hidden Treasures
- Album 33: Virtual Realities
- Album 34: In Your Wildest Dreams
- Album 35: The Big Picture
- Album 36: Danger Signals
- Album 37: Countermoves
- Album 38: Battle Lines
- Album 39: Friends, Family, and Countrymen
- Album 40: Out of Control
- Album 41: In Hot Pursuit
- Album 42: No Way Out
- Album 43: Along for the Ride
- Album 44: Eugene Returns!
- Album 45: Lost and Found
- Album 46: A Date with Dad (and Other Calamities)
- Album 47: Into the Light
- Album 48: Moment of Truth
- Album 49: The Sky’s the Limit
- Album 50: The Best Small Town
- The Truth Chronicles
- Passages: Darien’s Rise
- Album 51: Take it From the Top
- Album 52: Cause and Effect
- Album 53: The Green Ring Conspiracy
- Album 54: Clanging Cymbals...and the Meaning of God's Love
- Album 55: The Deep End
- Album 56: The Grand Design
- Album 57: A Call to Something More
- Album 58: The Ties That Bind
- Album 59: Taking the Plunge
- Album 60: Head Over Heels
- Album 61: Without a Hitch
- Album 62: Let’s Put on a Show! (2 episodes)
- Album 63: Up in the Air
- Album 64: Under the Surface
- Album 65: Expect the Unexpected
- Album 66: Trial by Fire
- Album 67: More Than Meets the Eye (1 episode)
- Album 68: Out of the Blue
- Album 69: Best Kept Secrets
- Album 70: Finding a Way (1 episode)
- Album 71: A Slippery Slope (2 episodes)
- Album 72: The Long Road Home (1 episode)
- Album 73: 28 Hours
- Album 74: Buckle Up!
- Album 75: The Best Is Yet to Come (1 episode)
- Album 76: Keep it Together
- Album 77: A New Perspective
- Album 78: At Face Value
- Album 79: 11th Hour
Wilson Knox has appeared in the following club seasons:
- Odyssey Adventure Club: Season 1
- Odyssey Adventure Club: Season 2
- Odyssey Adventure Club: Season 3
- Adventures in Odyssey Club: Season 4 (4 episodes)
- Adventures in Odyssey Club: Season 5 (2 episodes)
- Adventures in Odyssey Club: Season 6 (1 episode)
- 30th Birthday Live Show (album)
- Adventures in Odyssey Club: Season 10
- Adventures in Odyssey Club: Season 11 (4 episodes)
- Adventures in Odyssey Club: Season 12
- Adventures in Odyssey Club: Season 7 (4 episodes)
- Adventures in Odyssey Club: Season 8 (1 episode)
- Adventures in Odyssey Club: Season 9 (4 episodes)
- Aventuras en Odisea: Volumen 1
- Aventuras en Odisea: Volumen 2
- Aventuras en Odisea: Volumen 3
- B-TV: The Collection
- Daily Bible Readings (album)
- Hope in Trying Times
- Odyssey Adventure Club: Season 1 Soundtrack
- Odyssey Adventure Club: Season 2 Soundtrack
- Odyssey Adventure Club: Season 3 Soundtrack
- Adventures in Odyssey Club: Season 4 Soundtrack
- Adventures in Odyssey Club: Season 5 Soundtrack
- Adventures in Odyssey Club: Season 6 Soundtrack
- The Leonard Meltsner Saga
- The Officer Harley Collection
- Pastor Characters
- Episode characters
- Major Characters
- Characters in 823: There and Back Again, Part 2
- Characters in 824: There and Back Again, Part 3
- Characters in 825: There and Back Again, Part 4
- Characters in 924: Higher than Our Ways
- Characters in 925: Triple-Decker Sundae
- Characters in 943: Showdown in San Poco
- Characters in 966: The Best Is Yet to Come, Part 1
- Characters in 984: Running the Race, Part 1
- Characters in 985: Running the Race, Part 2
- Characters in 986: Running the Race, Part 3
- Characters in ???: A Thousand Blessings
- Characters in 995: Worth Her Wage
- Characters voiced by more than one actor
- Characters who have appeared in comics