The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-01-22


Gil of Churches is attempting to
On the one hand are many who
claim that in a spiritual sense radio
is blessing to shut-ins and old folks
who are unable to leave home as well
as to farmers who live in isolated
communities and have but few op-
portunities for attending regular
church services.
On the other hand are many others
who doubt the spiritual value Of
radio. They assert that many people
who ordinarily would attend church
remain at home and follow the
services by radio under which
circumstances the prayers lose most
of their value, the family is con-
frmed in habits of personal in
dolence and the church and pastor
lose the inspiration which comes
from their presence in the sanctuary.
Council Sends Requests
Almost at every national meeting
held by the Federal Council Of
Churches the value Of radio has
been thoroughly discussed. Requests
have been sent by this organization
to many churches to broadcast their
services as often as possible.
AT present there are around fifty
churches which make regular fea-
ture of broadcasting their services
regularly Whether or not this num-
,, -rv,1-
tirely on future experiences.
Arthur e. Hungerford, publicity
adviser of the Federal Council of
Churches, has discussed the radio
question with many church leaders
in different sections of the country.
Here is what Mr.. Hungerford thinks
about it:
Most church leaders believe in
the possibilities of the radio for ex-
tending the teachings of Christ.
Many are working on the problem.
Three is hardly a sending station
in the country that does not serve
the churches in some way. In many
cities the local church declarations
arrange regular services and pro-
grams and in others individual con-
gregations do the work. Thorough
these methods many persons re-
ceive the, church message who
would not otherwise get it.
Blessing to Shut-ins
"The radio has been blessing to-
the shct-ins and old folks who are
al n 10 -
opened the way Tor farmers and
their families who live in isolated
communities and have but few op-
portunities for attending regular
church services to get some of the
benefits of the church. OF course.
it is far better for a man or woman
TO go to church when possible, than
to hear the sermon over the radio.
But not many remain home because
they can hear a sermon in the home
Probably the outstanding church
program on the radio is the Sunday
afternoon address of the Rev. DR.. S.
Parkes Cadman, president OF the
Federal Council of Churches, at the
Bedford branch Young Mems Chris
tan Association, Brooklyn, N. Y.
That this service is effective is
shown by the fact that DR.. Cadman
receives hundreds of letters from
his hearers. Most of them ask for
spiritual advice. and consolation.
DR.. Cadrnan keeps a stenographer
busy answering them.
The possibilities Of radio service
to the churches failed to realize the
possibilities and opportunities Of the
motion picture until they had be-
come entirely commercialized and it
was too late for the churches to take
advantage Of them. The same mis-
take will not be made regarding the
radio. DR.. Cadman and his work
prove this. The church win make
great advances during the next few
years and radio will play a big
part"
Copyright, 1925, by Stevenson Ra.
dio Syndicate).