The first name of Marge's father, Clancy, appears in the series for the first time on Homer and Marge's wedding certificate. His name had appeared in various Simpsons companion books before this, but was not made canon until this episode.
Reverend Lovejoy is a graduate of Texas Christian University.
Homer being kept chained in a secluded room by a mysterious voice is a rip-off of the Saw franchise
The Presbylutheran Church-the Simpsons' church-has its headquarters in Michigan City, Indiana, near Chicago.