Bishop Lawson: "First Time in America"

This clipping is from Sallye Bell's "On the Air" column in California Eagle, a nationally known black-owned newspaper. "On the Air" appears to have been a syndicated column; the original image carries the byline "For Associated Negro Press." Founded by another forgotten hero, Claude Barnett,  the Associated Negro Press operated much like today's Associated Press until the business closed in 1964.

The story not only shares that Bishop R.C. Lawson Sunday night broadcast was the first live, on-site church "telecast" (synonymous then with "broadcast," as television was still a rarity), but the gentleman whose invention made it possible is also credited. Further, the article makes it clear that, as the technology was still new, Lawson was specially selected for the momentous trial run of Edward Spear's 'televising' machine. The columnist's familiarity with Lawson's work stateside and abroad attests to his popularity.

Other well-known figures are mentioned in the paragraphs and articles surrounding this clipping, figures like bandleader Cab Calloway, funny man Jack Benny, and the controversial Father Divine.