This is the famous Pipe Organ of the Tabernacle, and the choir seats called home by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The choir does a weekly broadcast, Music and the Spoken Word, from the Tabernacle. Today, I wanted to give you some history and background regarding that program.
The first broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word was on a hot summer afternoon in the Tabernacle on Temple Square, July 15, 1929. The announcer climbed a ladder to speak into the one and only microphone, suspended from the ceiling. He stayed perched on the ladder throughout the half-hour program. An audio engineer was alerted by telegraph when to start. Hand signals cued the announcer. He began: "From the crossroads of the West, we welcome you to a program of inspirational music and spoken word." Those words, from more than seven decades ago, still open the program.
Today Music and the Spoken Word has become the world's longest-running continuous network broadcast and is carried on more than 2,000 radio and television stations and cable systems. It has been broadcast from locations across the country and around the world. Since its first broadcast, the program was an immediate success. The president of the radio network sent a telegram:"Your wonderful Tabernacle program is making great impression in New York. Have heard from leading ministers. All impressed by program. Eagerly awaiting your next." The program was off and running. In 1954, to commemorate the 25th year of weekly Music and the Spoken Word broadcasts, Life magazine commented on the program's legacy with these words: "Those who know this program...need no arguments for listening to it. Millions have heard them, and more millions, we hope, will hear them in years to come. It is a national institution to be proud of." Through all the ups and downs, the twists and turns of the past 75 years, this broadcast has walked through the pages of history. It has lifted spirits, comforted souls, and brought one generation after another closer to the Divine."
Every week since 1929, young ears have pressed against radios, aging hands have found a familiar station, and anxious eyes have looked for a trusted friend, the choir's broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word. And while the times and technologies have changed, the essence of this broadcast has remained the same. In a world that is so often noisy and full of distraction, Music and the Spoken Word remains a welcome reprieve. It's a beacon of hope that steadies troubled hearts and brings upon joy. Now, as we commence 75 years of continuous broadcasting, we look forward to the future and pause, as we do every Sunday, to say, "May peace be with you, this day and always."
The first broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word was on a hot summer afternoon in the Tabernacle on Temple Square, July 15, 1929. The announcer climbed a ladder to speak into the one and only microphone, suspended from the ceiling. He stayed perched on the ladder throughout the half-hour program. An audio engineer was alerted by telegraph when to start. Hand signals cued the announcer. He began: "From the crossroads of the West, we welcome you to a program of inspirational music and spoken word." Those words, from more than seven decades ago, still open the program.
Today Music and the Spoken Word has become the world's longest-running continuous network broadcast and is carried on more than 2,000 radio and television stations and cable systems. It has been broadcast from locations across the country and around the world. Since its first broadcast, the program was an immediate success. The president of the radio network sent a telegram:"Your wonderful Tabernacle program is making great impression in New York. Have heard from leading ministers. All impressed by program. Eagerly awaiting your next." The program was off and running. In 1954, to commemorate the 25th year of weekly Music and the Spoken Word broadcasts, Life magazine commented on the program's legacy with these words: "Those who know this program...need no arguments for listening to it. Millions have heard them, and more millions, we hope, will hear them in years to come. It is a national institution to be proud of." Through all the ups and downs, the twists and turns of the past 75 years, this broadcast has walked through the pages of history. It has lifted spirits, comforted souls, and brought one generation after another closer to the Divine."
Every week since 1929, young ears have pressed against radios, aging hands have found a familiar station, and anxious eyes have looked for a trusted friend, the choir's broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word. And while the times and technologies have changed, the essence of this broadcast has remained the same. In a world that is so often noisy and full of distraction, Music and the Spoken Word remains a welcome reprieve. It's a beacon of hope that steadies troubled hearts and brings upon joy. Now, as we commence 75 years of continuous broadcasting, we look forward to the future and pause, as we do every Sunday, to say, "May peace be with you, this day and always."
5 comments:
There used to be a radio program each week in which this organ had a special role. Nice photography.
Magnificent Pipe Organ. I saw it and on that day some people sang. My friend Julia told me they were rehearsing.
cette orgue est magnifique. j'adore les concerts avec des orgues dans les églises, elles sont un son superbe
this organ is magnificent. I love the concerts with organs in churches, they are a superb
A very nice pipe organ; they give great sounds specially when good old Bach is played there!
As for the blog, my dear friend ... imagine that even I, the owner of the blog don´t know what happened ... yesterday by middle of the afternoon it vanished ... just like that ... that and two more I had in portuguese ... I never thought that could happen to me.
So I had to create a new one.
Bbut I'll keep it simple this time.
One photo, some few words if needed and keep in touch with the friends.
No more of those elaborated post and comment post, they were killing me.
And I have one of my twins whose needing some more attention; her school marks are not coming what they should be and my wife is also having some health problems so ...
I lived in Salt Lake City from 1945-1952 during my early childhood. I remember visiting the tabernacle and hearing the lovely pipe organ. I last visited the tabernacle in 1970 during a visit to my grandmother.
Your photo brings great memories.
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