Walter A. Maier (1893-1950) and The Lutheran Hour

Dr. Walter Arthur Maier ( (4th October 1893 - 11th January 1950) became the first speaker of The Lutheran Hour (1930-50).

Three generations of Maiers have been involved with the expansion of the Christian Luther faith and the use of the radio. (See picture of 4 members of the family.)

In 1917 a group of 12 men attended a convention of the Lutheran Church Missouri synod in Milwaukee to settle a $100,000 debt incurred by the church body… Goal accomplished they formed the Lutheran Laymen’s League (LLL).
Walter was one of the 12.

In March 1923 a Walter editorial asked the question Why not a Lutheran Broadcasting station? Funds were raised and a 500 watt transmitter was purchased - the first Christian radio station was born at Concordia Seminary.
The Gospel Voice happened on Sunday, 4th December 1924 at 9:15 pm. Walter had 2 weekly programs and promised This is only the beginning.

In 1929, with the goal of spreading the gospel from coast to coast, network broadcasting was investigated. In 1930 he learned the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) did not allow putting religious time on a commercial basis.

The LLL were enthusiastic about religious broadcasting and between the LLL and the Walther League they raised $ 94,000.

In 1930 the LLL committed to fund for 1 year a broadcasting weekly national radio station called*The Lutheran Hour. Thursday, 2nd October 1930 at 10:00 (Eastern) and 7:00 (Pacific) Walter was the first speaker.

The first season lasted for 36 weeks. Due to financial concerns it was discontinued from June 1931 until 1934.
(Read 'Entry into radio broadcasting ')

From the time it went off national air Walter never stopped working for its return.
To avoid prohibitive costs they started operations on the newly formed Mutual Broadcasting System. They never looked back.
(Read ‘The Lutheran Hour’ and ’ Continued growth’)

During the 20 years (1930-50) he served as speaker as the USA and the world went through the upheaval the Great Depression and WW11. He admonished the listeners with the Law of God and comforted them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ - a tone that rings true to today.

Walter was more than the speaker of The Lutheran Hour, he was the founder of the flagship radio ministry.

He died suddenly on January 12th, 1950. Tributes poured in. Billy Graham said Walter was the greatest combination of preacher and scholar that America has produced this century.

This radio show The Lutheran Hour steeped in devotion , evangelism and outreach has grown into a ministry that reaches more than 100 million people worldwide each week in 50 countries.

All of this indicates real success for Dr. Walter Arthur Maier’s vision
Bringing Christ to the Nations.

Sources
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Maier Family History
Wikipedia