Saturday, June 2nd, 2012 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.