World's Only Radio Church

Radio Record, Volume VII, Issue 5, 11 August 1933, Page 3

World's Only Radio Church

From this page looks out at you the originator and pastor of the world’s only radio church-the Rey. C. G. Scrimgeour, or, more popularly, "Scrim," of 1ZR, Auckland. As a venture of faith "Scrim’s" experiment has been outstandingly successful-‘The Friendly Road" has become a path of cheer to people of all creeds and classes. "Scrim" had not been inside a church until he was 20 ~-to-day he has a following that might be envied by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

ASK any radio listener within a hundred miles of Auckland who is the outstanding radio personality in that part of the country, and the answer will undoubtedly be "Scrim." He has a fan mail, too, that wggid make a film star jealous-Chicago has paid him

homage, and his admirers in Australia are legion. The Radio Church which "Scrim" conducts from 1ZR, the Auckland B station, each day has grown almost beyond belief. February last, the Rev. C. G. Scrimgeour, a Methodist city missionary and former gaol chaplain, left his work antl started "The Friendly Road’ radio services in" the belief that, for thousands of lonely folk, this work was a vital necessity. A comfortable living was put on one side in full faith that if this Radio Church were the necessity he believed it to be enough to live on would come the way of the young minister, then just on 30. So the services began. There was no hair-split-ting about "The Friendly Road." The talks were simyte chats, man to man and} friend to friend, about "the Stranger of Galilee" and His message as it could be applied to daily life and the

manner in which each listener could do something toward bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to earth. . The response to that cheery, simple. message was instantaneous; a choir was formed; letters commenced to flow in; there were numerous requests from listeners asking to be allowed to contribute to the cost of these services, so that permanency would be assured. To-day "Scrim’s" simple straight-forward message is heard by many thousands, many of whom have not been i in church for years. "Then "Scrim" receives and answers some 200 letters each week, and, while he was away in Wellington ("Scrim" won’t ask for money) "Uncle Tom," of 1ZR announced that, as many listeners had ‘suggested, contribution boxes would be sent to those asking for

them. In very short order some 1400 boxes were despatched. | All kinds of men have joined this Radio Churchsailors, navvies, doctors, lawyers, artists, musicians, ministers-men of every class and everv profession

under the sun, And here’s one, out of countless notes of appreciation, something, by the way, that "Scrim" did. not read out. The letter in question came from a marine engineer on short leave in New Zealand, who happened to listen one Sunday. The writer said: "You won’t want to hear this sort of thing, I know, but in my trips round this globe you are certainly the finest speaker I. have ever heard." A _ fine tribute, isn’t it? but many listeners will agree, and more will add that "Scrim" is certainly the friendliest speaker they have ever heard. Then there is the "secret service" of "The Friendly Road." That idea was suggested by an Auckland writer, who has written and. published some successful mystery novels. There is nothing in the faintest degree political. nor any least trace of any form of propaganda in this. "Secret service agents,"

volunteers all, seek out homes where they are most needed and, without fuss or advertisement; provide friendship and practical help when and where it is most needed. It is an expression of practical Christianity from the brotherhood of the road for those who have met with disaster in the journey of life. Listening-in circles have been formed throughout Auckland province, in New Plymouth, and as far south as Christchurch. Without doubt, the faith that induced the young clergyman to leave the security of his own pulpit to speak, comradely, across the air to.the homes and hearts of the people of New Zealand has been more than. justified.. The Radio Church was needed.