Contact: Jack Hibbard, 215 591-9400 Ext. 102

ORRVILLE, Ohio, Nov. 27 /Christian Newswire/ -- One of the longest running religious radio programs in the country will bring its broadcast to a close at the end of the year. "The Calvary Hour" hosted by Bill Detweiler, will air its final broadcast on Sunday, December 30, 2007, after 71 years of broadcasting.

Detweiler, and his twin brother Bob, took over the speaking responsibilities of the broadcast in 1956, following the unexpected death of their father William, who started The Calvary Hour in 1936. Bill Detweiler has been the sole host of the program since the death of his brother in 1989.

Detweiler, who turns 78 at the end of this month, said, "I have always known that the day would come when The Calvary Hour would produce its last broadcast. I must acknowledge that it is with a sense of significant sadness that I recognize that closing time has at last arrived." He added, "I will pray that God will continue to harvest souls because of the many seeds sown by The Calvary Hour during its 71 years."

The broadcast has been represented by Walter Bennett Communications for nearly 50 years. Agency President Jack Hibbard said, "Only eternity will reveal how God has used the ministry of the Detweiler family to touch the lives of thousands throughout the past seven decades. I know the program will be deeply missed by the Christian radio industry at large, and especially by the faithful listeners who tuned in each week."

"The Calvary Hour" is currently heard across North America and in Central America on a network of 38 stations.