Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Radio Chapel 48-01-11 Religious Program
Date: September 20, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Featuring: Dr. Richard Steiner, Mrs. Carolyn H. Harrington, Paul Parse, Catlin School Choir

Overview

This episode features a full broadcast of a classic “Radio Chapel” religious program originally aired on January 11th, 1948. The program, conducted by Dr. Richard Steiner of the First Unitarian Church and enriched with musical selections by Mrs. Carolyn H. Harrington and the Catlin School Choir, offers a reflection on faith, brotherhood, and the meaning of life through the lens of Christian philosophy. The show blends musical performances, scripture, and an insightful sermon, providing listeners an immersive experience from the golden age of radio.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Opening Call to Worship and Brotherhood

[00:44] Dr. Richard Steiner

• The service opens with a unifying invitation:

  “The voice of the organ speaks once again its sacred invitation for one and all to gather in your radio chapel...”

• Emphasis on interfaith unity: Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish faiths are all welcomed in a prayer for "world brotherhood."
• The program seeks to foster a spirit where all can "live as brothers," reinforcing the message of one loving God.

2. Spiritual Music as a Form of Worship

• At Vespers performed on the organ by Paul Parse sets a contemplative tone.

• The Catlin School Choir, directed by Mrs. Carolyn H. Harrington, presents sacred music:

  • [05:43] Bach compositions:
    • “Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light”
    • “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” (with violin obbligato by Mary Allison)

• Choir performances are used throughout as an integral part of worship, providing moments of reflection and spiritual elevation.

3. Scripture and the Nature of Life

[12:07] Dr. Richard Steiner (Sermon)

• Reflects on Romans 8:28:

  “To them that love God, all things work together for good.”

• The sermon explores the meaning of adversity and the importance of personal response:

  “What life does to us does not determine the consequence. It is simply the instigating factor. The consequence...is the direct result of what there is within us.”

• Dr. Steiner warns against fatalism and argues for human agency and spiritual initiative, stating the drama of life is not predetermined by fate.

4. Determinism, Free Will, and the Christian Perspective

[16:41] Dr. Richard Steiner

• Uses metaphor to clarify the difference between mechanism and free will:

  “Throw a tennis ball against the wall and it will come back to you. That is a mechanical process, a reaction. But let a prodigal son go into the far country...he may or may not come back to you. It will depend upon his response.”

• The core message:

  “To dramatize one’s life...is necessarily not to make yourself the central actor, but to make God and the purposes of God the center which will motivate your actions.”

• He emphasizes that greatness is forged in struggle and that faith provides both resilience and purpose.

5. Spirituals and Universal Themes of Faith

[24:41] Dr. Richard Steiner introduces two spirituals:

• “Steal Away”
• “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian”

[27:03] Choir lyrics highlight longing for a Christian heart, love, and Christ-like character, resonating deep themes of devotion and transformation:

“Lord, I want to be more loving… Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart.”

6. Closing Reflections and Invitation

[30:05] Ben Hunter (Host)

• Wraps up with “Be Thou My Vision” on organ.
• Expresses gratitude to those who made the service possible.
• Leaves listeners with an invitation:

  “On behalf of all faiths, may we invite you to attend the church of your choice this morning.”

• Closes with a blessing for “happiness and contentment of spirit.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Let us truly come as brothers worshiping our one, all caring, all loving God.”
  – Dr. Richard Steiner [00:44]

• “What life does to us does not determine the consequence. It is simply the instigating factor.”
  – Dr. Richard Steiner [12:07]

• “To dramatize one's life...is not necessarily to make yourself the central actor, but to make God and the purposes of God the center…”
  – Dr. Richard Steiner [16:41]

• “Those souls that become great have something in them so that all things do work together for good.”
  – Dr. Richard Steiner [20:45]

• “May we invite you to attend the church of your choice this morning... KEX wishes all men happiness and contentment of spirit.”
  – Ben Hunter (Host) [30:45]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:44 – Dr. Richard Steiner’s opening welcome and interfaith message
• 05:43 – Choir: Bach’s “Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light” / “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”
• 12:07 – Dr. Steiner’s sermon begins: “It is not so much what life brings to us…”
• 16:41 – Discussion of determinism vs. free will and Christian drama of life
• 24:41 – Introduction of spirituals: “Steal Away” and “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian”
• 27:03 – Choir: “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian”
• 30:05 – Ben Hunter: Closing remarks and benediction

Tone and Language

Dr. Steiner’s language is reflective, earnest, and philosophical, combining scriptural references with an appeal to human experience and agency. The choir’s contributions add reverence, warmth, and an emotional depth to the proceedings. The atmosphere is inclusive, universal, and deeply spiritual.

This episode provides a heartfelt window into mid-century American religious radio, seamlessly blending musical richness with thoughtful spiritual reflection and an unwavering call for unity, free will, and higher purpose.