Using the Newspapers in Western Canada by W. L. Burgan

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 5, 1914

Using the Newspapers in Western Canada

By W. L. Burgan

THAT the workers in the Western Canadian Union Conference appreciate the importance of the newspaper in connection with their evangelistic efforts was shown by the many encouraging reports that were heard at the biennial session of this union which was held at Lacombe, February 11-22. The success of the efforts put forth last summer has given our ministers great courage, and they are planning on using the newspapers again during the coming tent season.

The thought was expressed by some that the newspapers in the four provinces comprising the Western Canadian Union Conference can play a most important part in carrying the gospel to remote places, because of the great prairie stretches over which it would be impossible for the living preacher to gather an audience to hear him. The city newspapers go to these places; and while engaged in an effort in a city, the minister can also reach the people in the country by having reports of his sermons published. The brethren in this union conference realize this, and last summer a number of those engaged in tent efforts depended on the newspapers to circulate the message, not only across the prairies, but also in the cities where the efforts were being made.

It was very encouraging to hear brethren say that reports of their sermons as much as one and one-half columns in length had been published. A report of this length can give many fundamental points of our doctrines, and we ought to praise the Lord that such liberality was shown by the editors. While our workers were perhaps preaching to an audience of only a few hundred, yet they gave the important points of their discourse to thousands of others, through the reports they had printed in the newspapers. It seems that the workers in the cities in western Canada realized that their message was new to the people in this part of the world, and seized the opportunity to use the papers, and thus herald the glad tidings far and wide.

This is a good point to remember, and one that a worker ought always to consider, that the newspaper is to take an important part in the minister's endeavors, especially in a new field.

Upon arriving in Calgary, on my way to Lacombe, a visit was made to the newspaper offices, and the editors of the two afternoon papers were well acquainted with the fact that a meeting was to be held in Lacombe. Though the place of meeting was one hundred and thirteen miles from Calgary, the editors said they wanted daily reports. They published announcements of the meeting, and thus thousands were informed that it was to be held. One editor asked that reports be sent in over the telegraph wire at the expense of his paper. Brethren, in many parts of America there are editors who appreciate this glorious advent movement, and will print articles for us. We ought to take advantage of every opportunity to use this powerful medium, and thus hasten the message.

Accounts concerning the meeting were sent to practically all the daily papers in western Canada, and the leading brethren in attendance cooperated in advertising the session, and also the progress of the work in that part of North America.

W. L. BURGAN.