A Unique Station

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 9, 14 September 1928, Page 10

A Unique Station

Newfoundland’s Happy Position in Radio |

A BROADCASTING station built, maintained, and operated by voluntary service! Such is Newfoundland’s claim to distinction in fhe world of wireless. oS Station SWMOC, of St. John, gives « bi-weekly programme, comprising both educational and entertainment = features, without a charge of any kind. This station is not a business or advertising proposition-it is the sole property of one little church, but so strongly do they regard their duty and debt to the community from all corners of which they have received support, that they in return give their service free to all. A Unique History. JN 1924 several old people of the Wesleyan Metholist Church were connected with the church by means of telephone wires, to enable them to hear the chureh service. Later the pastor thought that a small broadcast: ing apparatus would be cheaper for the listeners. and would serve a greater number of aged and ailing people. After inquiry as to cost, the project was deferred. Suddenly hopes were raised by a Canadian company, which, through interest in radio broadcasting in Newfoundland, offered a set at a price which, although beyond the immediate purchasing power of the church, was so tempting that the offer was accepted. In July, 1924. the first broadcast of a religiou. service in Newfoundland was e¢arried out by means of an ap paratus owned by, and situated = in. Wesley Church. Labour was .re ly given by Catholics and rotestants, and when established subscriptions cnme in from men of all creeds. The church Scout troop under:

took the making and installation of crystal receiving sets at unbelievably low prices. So the old and feeble ones were helped and service given quietly nnd unostentatiously to an ever-in-creasing radio audience. A Larger Output. (pros SN there came demands from would-be listeners scaitered afar, who wished to bring in the services. he optimistic pastor, desiring to satisfy these demands, spent his vacation in Canadian work. hops, studying the larger and more modern transmitters. Finally a 500-watt machine, capable. of reaching all Newfoundland, was installed. Support was readily given. Gifts and entertainment organisations, anything that eould be turned into money, were utilised, while people asked for "radio hoxes" to collect small sums. With the intrepid pastor as manager, and this spirit of co-operation, the venture was "assured financial success. To-day societies contribute unasked #9 station SWMC, fraternal organisa-

tions arrange to place a receiving set in the home of any sick brother, sealing skippers stop their ships during the ehureh service, and men of all sects gather round the loudspeaker; lonely lighthouse-keepers wrote gratefully of benefits received. Organ recitals are a feature, and it has become necessary to replace the forty-six-year-old organ by a new one. Request items are promised for the next two months. Present Organisation. Now station SWMC broadeasts a ehurch service every Sunday evening, while in the morning the apparatus is at the disposal of any church in the city. and during the summer. months 1. morning service is transmitted every Sunday. Twice a week a programme is arranged by a voluntary committee. An hotel has set aside a large room as a studio, and the local telephone company makes a special connection between the studio and the radio room as its contribution. ‘ » oni