“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
I heard that, or read it, earlier today; and realized how wise that little five-word quotation was, and how long it had taken me to learn the truth of it.
The quote fit right in with some information I’d been given in case I’d be interested in promoting WMPC’s Spring Sharathon.
It shames me to admit that for many years I wanted to think I was too sophisticated to listen to WMPC (1230 AM). The station very much represented exactly what I had grown up with; but while I was in college I was introduced to and came to appreciate classical music. Somehow I figured the two cancelled each other out, and I pretty much kept my radio tuned to a station which played the kind of music I now wanted my children to grow up appreciating.
First of all, I don’t think it took. Second of all, I, in more recent years, have come to realize what I had been missing out on all those years. My dial switched to Lapeer’s WMPC (1230AM).
Here is a little history about the station.
WMPC began broadcasting from a homemade transmitter in the Methodist Protestant Church in December of 1926.* The call letters reflected that name. The church now has a different location and name (Calvary Bible Church), but the call letters for the station remain the same, now being an acronym for Where Many Preach Christ.
The radio station continues to broadcast a mix of inspirational music and other God-honoring programs. The roster for weekdays includes, among others, such wonderful broadcasts as Back to the Bible, Grace to You, Haven, In Touch, Turning Point, Insight for Living, Truth for Life, Family Life Today, Wallbuilders, Adventures in Odyssey, and Unshackled. Saturdays are filled with the likes of Parenting Today’s Teens, Down Gilead Lane, A Visit with Mrs. G., Paws and Tales, and Gaither Homecoming. Sundays feature such favorites as The Lutheran Hour, Groundwork, Insight for Living, and two live broadcasts of worship services at Calvary Bible Church.
My under-the-kitchen-counter kitchen radio, which for years would only pull in this station, has since died. In the car, we often listen to books on tape, so I can’t tell you whether this list is totally current. But I DO know this—that the station is commercial-free and depends heavily on its twice-a-year Sharathons. The spring one is coming up April 8, 9 and 10. Having incurred an unexpected difficulty when one of the power supply units inside the transmitter failed, the station is asking supporters to rally around. Repairs were made, but the unexpected two-and-a-half day silence back in January left everyone thinking about how it would be without the station. Station manager Ed LeVoir is asking listeners and supporters to be in prayer about how we can help meet the station’s annual $220, 000 expenses. Cash donations, monthly pledges, or purchasing a day’s broadcasting, perhaps to honor a birthday or memory of a loved one, are popular ways to contribute. Contact information is as follows: WMPC 230AM/106.9FM, P.O. Box 104, Lapeer, MI 48446; (810) 667-1230, wmpc@wmpc.org.
*Note that this is just a short time before what would soon become known as The Great Depression. I’m guessing that many many people weathered that time with the help and comfort this station had to offer. And remember back with me to the beginning of this little perspective: “Simplicity IS the ultimate sophistication.” And whether or not you agree with that, agree with me that simplicity is, well…a wonderful way to live. It’s getting back to the basics—the basics of what really matters in life. And you will find that if you tune in to WMPC—1230AM (also now 106.9FM).
Willene Tanis is a longtime resident of the Imlay City area and an active volunteer in the community. Many readers find her 'Perspectives' column to universal and uplifting
