Glad Tidings, the bimonthly magazine of the Women's Missionary Society, is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2005. The magazine is sent across the country and around the world to places such as Nigeria, Central America, India and Ghana.
Launched in the summer of 1925, The Glad Tidings was run by Miss Mamie Fraser, who edited the Missionary Messenger newsletter before its reincarnation into a magazine. The publication started with a circulation of 10,000 and cost 35 cents for an annual subscription. Its purpose was to spread mission information at a minimum cost.
"Originally, it was a tool for the Women's Missionary Society to communicate with one another," says Holly Wilson, who became the 11th editor of this venerable magazine last May, taking over from June Stevenson. "The mandate now is to inform, educate and inspire people to action in relation to mission and social justice issues."
Wilson, who is also working towards a biblical studies certificate, hopes to provide more stories for youth in the magazine, while continuing the tradition of inspirational stories, news items, mission articles and poetry for her readers. "The history of this magazine is so important. The women are so amazing and they had such dedication and love for their work," says Wilson. "I just hope to keep my ears and my heart open to what God would like for this publication."
Amy Cameron
