Value of Radio

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 21, 6 December 1929, Page 7

Value of Radio

Tribute by a Preacher N addressing a meeting of the congregation of St. John’s Presbyterian Church on the evening of November 27, the Rev. J. R. Blanchard paid an interesting tribute to the value of the radio broadeasting of church services. Mr. Blanchard, it may be mentioned, came to New Zealand a year or two back from West. Australia, | where he had covered a wide field of pioneering work with acceptability. His preaching in Wellington has been characterised by marked: vigour, and has proved a very welcome addition. to the spiritual life of the community. In referring to broadcasting Mr. Blanchard said :- "Widespread appreciation of the services broadcast from St. John’s had also been expressed. Some years ago, when the broadcasting of church services was first mooted, many shook their heads and averred that it would keep people away from church. Wiser people agreed with what Bishop Welldou had said: ‘If the clergy were to refuse or neglect such, new means of communication as science affords, they would commit the same mistake as might have occurred many years ago had they failed to make use of the printing press or the steam-engine? " _t was now an established fact, as Sir J. C. W. Reith, Director-General of British Broadcasting, had recently said, that no portion of broadcasting activity was more universally acceptable and appreciated than the religious service. It reached the bedridden in private homes and hospital wards, the isolated settlers of the backblocks, and for 2 vast number it was the only preaching they would allow themselves the chance of hearing. One was constantly hearing of listeners who actually joined in the singing of the hymns, and knelt to the prayers, while one knew of others who regularly dispatched a weekly contribution by way of un offering to some charity .or church fund. It was true that people owed to God something more active than sitting before the fire with the headphones on, but he believed that something more would come from many. It was certain that the regular broadcasting of church services was doing 2 lot to disabuse many of the prejudices and misconceptions they had harboured concerning the church. In his experience it had not tended to smaller congregations, but if anything to larger ones. Te felt that he ought to say aspublic "thank you" to the excellent service rendered by 2YA, Wellington in this matter.