CHURCH SERVICE BY WIRELESS.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20773, 6 February 1933, Page 13

CHURCH SERVICE BY WIRELESS.

EXPERIMENT AT BELFAST. BROADCAST FROM AVONSIDE. Just before Christmas an experiment of considerable interest was tried out in a suburban church, says the "Churcli News." Tho Bishop was much astonished to hear from tho vicar of Belfast that Evensong on December 18 had been conducted in St. David's by the Kev. O. Fitzgerald, assisted by tho Rev. K. Sehollar, and tho full strength of the Avonside choir! "What did they do at Avonside?" he asked. "They were thero too," was the reply. It was explained that Avonside was "on the air" that night. It was thought to be a carol service and arrangements had been made to hear the carols by means of a 9-valve radio, borrowed from B egg's by the kindness of Mr Eendele. It turned out to be Avonside's usual Evensong, but it was decided to let the whole service bo conducted from Avonside. The congregation were informed, however, that they were not to be merely listeners, but to take their part exactly as if their own vicar was officiating. The interest of the experiment lies in the fact that they did so. Reception was excellent although only a mere wisp of aerial was hung up in the little church; even without an earth the volume was so considerable that it had to be reduced. The congregation joined in the hymns and the singing voices blended so completely that it was impossible at times to distinguish between tho wireless voices and the congregation's. The local choir even sang the Psalms with the unseen choir. The people knelt for the prayers as usual and reverently recited the Confession, Lord's Prayer, Creed and responses as usual, without hesitation, adapting themselves to the unusual conditions readily. Mr Fitzgerald's sermon was on certain popular hymns, of which verses were sung to one or moro tunes, tho people sitting. In this caso also tho congregation, hearing the speaker clearly, followed his instructions with interest. The experiment wns a popular success. Not tho least acceptable part of it was the organ music of Mr Lillev.