Collection HM1/959 - Bill Detweiler Papers

The Calvary Hour was a Mennonite radio show founded in 1936 by William G. Detweiler of Canton, Ohio.  Detweiler, the pastor of the Canton, Ohio, Mennonite Church sought a means by which to share the gospel with unbelievers and non-church goers.  Detweiler embraced radio broadcasting as the solution.  Because radio technology was still relatively new and "worldly," his decision to preach the Mennonite faith via radio was met with some disapproval in Mennonite circles.

The earliest broadcasts were titled "The Mennonite Hour," but at the Church's request, Detweiler soon changed the program's name to the Calvary Hour.  The weekly broadcasts featured religious music, prayer, and a sermon.

After William G. Detweiler's sudden death in 1956, his twin sons, Bill and Bob Detweiler continued the Calvary Hour together until 1989. In 1989, Bob Detweiler passed away, and his brother Bill continued broadcasting until 2007.

J. William"Bill" Detweiler was born in 1929, the first of twin sons to William G. and Anna Detweiler.  He graduated from Eastern Mennonite College in 1951 and from Faith Theological Seminary in 1954. 

Bill married Ruth Mast. Together, they raised three daughters.

Bill and his brother Bob were ordained in 1957.  Bill pastored at Pleasant View Mennonite Church from 1955 to 1957.  He began his ministry at Kidron Mennonite Church in 1957 and served for 37 years there.

Bill and his brother Bob also served as the "twin speakers" on the Calvary Hour radio show from 1956 until Bob's death in 1989.  Bill continued the broadcast on his own until 2007.