Our History
Early in the 1950s, the prospect of producing a Christian radio program from a Pentecostal church in Newfoundland would have been considered ground-breaking - even a cutting -edge idea. With the exception of a couple of newscasts, very little local programming had yet made it to the airwaves. On New Year's Eve of 1951, Mr. William Hollett took advantage of the warm furnace room of Elim Pentecostal Tabernacle on Casey Street in St. John's for a solitary, all-night prayer meeting. During those hours, Mr. Hollett sensed a strong conviction that the time had come for the Tabernacle to embark on a radio broadcast ministry. His conviction was confirmed by the church's Pastor, Harold Snelgrove, who had a similar vision for ministry. Shortly afterwards, Elim Tabernacle approached Radio Station VOCM with a proposal. On the condition that only local programming would be used, VOCM offered a 30-minute time slot.
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At 9:00 p.m. on February 08, 1952 - using a tape recorder provided by the radio station - Mr. Hollett recorded the broadcast's first words: “You are invited to listen to The old, old story in song, praise and testimony - with an inspiring message from God’s Word.” The first broadcast from a Pentecostal church in Newfoundland hit the airwaves two days later - on February 10, 1952. The name of the program was taken from the hymn “Tell Me The Old, Old Story” written by English evangelist Katherine Hankey. The tune used for the opening has undergone slight variations over the years, but the lyrics have provided the signature song for the entire history of the broadcast. Initially, the program was heard primarily in central and eastern Newfoundland; however, in recent years its coverage has been extended to the remainder of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
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The Old, Old Story broadcast is now one of the longest-running radio program in the history of communications. An 'old story' that remains as fresh as tomorrow's headlines. Still maintaining a substantial audience of tens of thousands of listeners , the broadcast is driven by a simple, yet profound mandate: to present a life-changing message, that proclaims hope through God’s grace and forgiveness . Every week, this 30-minute program features lively congregational singing, various soloists, testimonials, and a message from God’s Word relevant to today’s issues. Throughout each program, phone lines are open - providing an opportunity for individual requests to be brought to the congregation for prayer.