Songs of Praise commemorates a significant milestone in broadcasting history with the episode ‘One Hundred Years of Religious Broadcasting’. Airing on BBC One on Sunday, 1 September 2024, at 1:15 PM, the programme joins Pam Rhodes as she attends a special service at St Martin-in-the-Fields on Trafalgar Square. This iconic location holds a special place in broadcasting history as the site of the BBC’s first-ever worship service broadcast back in 1924.
Pam is joined by the current vicar, the Rev Dr Sam Wells, as they reflect on the mixed reactions to that groundbreaking first service a century ago. While some marvelled at the wonder of it, others expressed outrage. Adding to the celebration, TV writer and regular contributor to Radio 2’s Pause for Thought, Paul Kerensa, takes Pam on a journey to a lesser-known site from the early days of religious radio broadcasting.
The episode also features radio DJ and presenter of the BBC’s Daily Service, Swarzy Macaly, who shares her personal journey to Christianity and her passion for sharing stories of faith on air. The music featured in this episode includes a diverse selection of hymns and songs, such as “Thy Hand, O God, Has Guided” and “How Shall I Sing That Majesty,” both performed at St Martin-in-the-Fields, as well as “Come Let Us Sing” from Reading Town Hall and “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” from St George’s Church in Jesmond.
The programme continues its musical journey with “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” from Gas Street Church in Birmingham, “I Will Sing the Wondrous Story” from Castle Park Bandstand in Colchester, Essex, and concludes with “Come, Let Us Join Our Cheerful Songs,” returning to the celebratory atmosphere of St Martin-in-the-Fields.
Songs of Praise: One Hundred Years of Religious Broadcasting airs on BBC One on Sunday, 1 September 2024, at 1:15 PM.
