Page 36 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

The number of films loaned or shown topped the one thousand
mark for the second straight year. In 1962 the total was 1,042 and
in 1963, it was 1,022. Thus the average was about three films in
use each day of the year. These more than 1,000 screenings were viewed
by an estimated total audience of nearly 175,000 people. Prison and
correction home showings account for about one fourth of the total
viewers.

The following new films have been added to the library: "Witnesses
Together" (introduction to the East Asia Christian Conference), and two
Christmas colour films "Holy Night" and "Escape into Egypt."

The use of filmstrips has not been as good as the past year. In
1962 a total dropped to 213 - a decrease of 64. In order to encourage
wider use of filmstrips, the department has begun a program of making
Cantonese tape recordings to be used with these filmstrips. Two
Christmas filmstrips and eleven Easter filmstrips have been recorded
to date.

The Broadcasting Department is related to the South East Asia Radio
Project together with three other recording centers in Burma, Thailand
and Indonesia. Each is operated in conjunction with the national council
of churches for the country. The shipment of the big 50 thousand watt
transmitter from the States was delayed till sometime in 1964. The big
step forward for the department was the arrival of Dr. and. Mrs. Bliss
Wiant, formerly of the music faculty of Yenching University, to head
up the music work of the SEARV (Broadcasting Department) Studios. The
Wiants are living at Chung Chi College and are cooperating with the
college in its music program. Dr. Wiant is a Visiting Professor of
Music.

It is planned to publish a collection of hymn-anthems arranged from
Chinese hymn tunos in mid 1964. There is also a plan to organize a
Christian Musicians Fellowship in Hong Kong to promote interest and
work in the music of the Church.

The committee was able to place a second dramatic program with
Radio Hong Kong’s Chinese service-at Easter. Also, the director, in
cooperation with Radio Hong Kong and upon the instructions of English
Broadcasting and TV Religious Advisory Committee, was instrumental in
reviving the Chinese Advisory-Committee on Christian Broadcasting.
The Rev. James T.M. Pong is the Chairman for 1964 and the Rev. Thomas
W. Lung is the Secretary.

The SEARV recording canter needs volunteer help from all the
council related churches. Those who are interested in announcing,
script writing and production should write to the director.

VII. A WORD OF THANKS
The Hong Kong Christian Council wishes to thank the Churches for their
active participation and co-operation in this ecumenical movement. For all
those busy ministers, hard-working laymen and-women who help in the work
which mentioned in this report we give thanks..

We would wish to record our gratitude to the Chinese Y.M.C.A., the Y.W.
C.A., the European Y.M .C.A., the Chinese Churches Union, the Kowloon Methodist
Church for the use of their Committee Rooms for regular Committee activities.
Equal gratitude is given to our friends, both local and abroad, for gifts
and financial support which they have contributed to strengthen our work.

Finally the Council wishes to thank all those organizations and friends
who have contributed to the preparation of this report.

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