radio

First Christian radio broadcast

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In 1920 the first radio station in the country, KDKA in Pittsburgh, began broadcasting. One of the station’s engineers was a member of a local Episcopal church. Since the station needed programming it agreed to air the church’s Sunday services. The response from listeners was so positive that fledgling stations around the country made church services an integral part of their weekly programming.

Impact: From these humble beginnings, religious broadcasting became a multi-billion dollar industry by the end of the century.

Ironside, Henry Allan (“Harry”)

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Henry Allan (“Harry”) Ironside (1878-1951) was born in Toronto, Canada. He moved with his family in 1886 to Los Angeles and there accepted Christ at the age of 14. He joined the Salvation Army and began preaching at their gatherings and rallies. He became nationally-known as the “Boy Preacher of Los Angeles.” In 1896 he joined the Plymouth Brethren and spent nearly 35 years speaking at Bible conferences in the United States and Canada. In 1930 he became the pastor of Moody Memorial Church in Chicago. Here he began a radio ministry that was broadcast on the Moody radio network. He died in New Zealand while on an evangelistic crusade and was buried there. He was a well known and trusted Bible commentator and preacher whose books were among the best-selling inspirational works of his day.

Fuller, Charles E.

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Charles E. Fuller (1887-1968) was a well-known radio pioneer and educator. He was born in Los Angeles and studied at Biola College. He was ordained in 1925 and became pastor of Calvary Church. He began a radio ministry in 1937 that could be heard on 600 CBS network stations. In 1947 he helped found Fuller Seminary. He was an early and successful advocate of using modern technology to bring the Gospel message to the masses.