"Canada's Pastor" David Mainse reflects on five decades of ministry
BURLINGTON, ON, May 31, 2012 /CNW/ - Saturday, June 2nd marks the official 50th Anniversary of Crossroads Christian Communications, Canada's leading faith-based broadcast ministry.
In 1962 at just 25 years old, David Mainse approached a local TV station manager in Pembroke, Ontario in hopes of getting airtime to launch a new television program called Crossroads. The answer was "yes" and he was given 15 minutes live on Saturday night, June 2nd, following the late news.
"Back in 1962, television was just making its way into northern Ontario, and the entire province was responding like a kid with a new toy," says Mainse, now 75.
That first Crossroads program featured music from "The King's Men" and garnered unprecedented calls and response from viewers. As a result of the success, Mainse was invited back each week.
"We were the original "Saturday Night Live," jokes Mainse.
Today, Crossroads has developed into a highly respected media organization, launching 100 Huntley Street, Canada's longest running daily talk show in 1977. Crossroads is also a highly respected not-for-profit agency, providing aid and emergency relief to people all over the world. Crossroads also operates a 24/7 Care Centre through which they engage approximately 30 thousand calls each month helping people on their spiritual journey.
As part of the 50th Anniversary, Crossroads will be releasing several new productions starting June 9th called Canada Heart and Soul, a series of documentaries focused on amazing people, places and events that have defined Canada. They are scheduled to run on Crossroads Television System (CTS) throughout the summer until the end of the year, the first called "In Search of Canada" beginning on June 9th, 7pm on CTS.
Also, Crossroads has opened its doors to all for special 50th Anniversary Tours of the Crossroads Centre in Burlington, Ontario. The tour is an intimate look at the history and culture of Crossroads, includes a life-size replica of the Old Testament Tabernacle, and The Shroud of Turin exhibit.
Tickets are available on the Crossroads 50th website: www.crossroads.ca/50 and via telephone at 1-855-884-2200.
For a list of events, special photos, and access to an Electronic Press Kit, visit the website www.crossroads.ca/50 .
About Crossroads Christian Communications (Crossroads)
Crossroads is Canada's leader in providing faith and values media content for people of all ages. 100 Huntley Street, the flagship television program of Crossroads was founded by Rev. David Mainse and is the longest running daily Christian television program in Canada. Crossroads provides relevant messages of faith and inspiration for millions of Canadians and has done so for 50 years. Its mission is to convey the unchanging message of God's love to people around the world. Crossroads interacts with its viewers via 24/7 prayer lines, and it has also been a highly respected and effective not-for-profit aid agency for over 25 years, having responded in times of natural disaster worldwide, raising funds and partnering with on-site, non-government organizations for emergency relief and long-term rebuilding strategies. www.crossroads.ca
Video with caption: "Video: The history of Crossroads and its future". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20120531_C4538_VIDEO_EN_14437.mp4&posterurl=http://photos.newswire.ca/images/20120531_C4538_PHOTO_EN_14437.jpg&clientName=Crossroads%20Christian%20Communications%20Inc%2E&caption=Video%3A%20The%20history%20of%20Crossroads%20and%20its%20future&title=CROSSROADS%20CHRISTIAN%20COMMUNICATIONS%20INC%2E%20%2D%20Crossroads%20Christian%20Communications%20Turns%2050%21&headline=Crossroads%20Christian%20Communications%20Turns%2050%21
Image with caption: "The Crossroads Centre building in Burlington, Ontario (CNW Group/Crossroads Christian Communications Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120531_C4538_PHOTO_EN_14434.jpg
Image with caption: "David Mainse hosting the weekly Crossroads program from the CKSO studio in Sudbury, Ontario in September 1964 (CNW Group/Crossroads Christian Communications Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120531_C4538_PHOTO_EN_14435.jpg
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