Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1951-2005 (Creation)
Level of description
Collection
Extent and medium
2.20 Linear Feet; 1 records carton, 1 archives box, and 1 half archives box
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
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.
Name of creator
Biographical history
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.
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
This collection consists of publicity materials for speaking engagements, subject files, incoming correspondence, files relating to workshops Detweiler taught, Detweiler's preaching schedule, article manuscripts, and Detweiler's Bible.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Flat
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
This collection is open to the public.
Conditions governing reproduction
Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. Copyright not owned by the Mennonite Church USA Archives.
Language of material
- English
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Alternative identifier(s)
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Mennonite Church -- Clergy (Subject)
Genre access points
Description control area
Description identifier
Institution identifier
Rules and/or conventions used
Status
Level of detail
Dates of creation revision deletion
2010-06-28
Language(s)
- English