"Hello Americans, this is Paul Harvey . . ." are familiar words to the many fans of ABC news legend, Paul Harvey. Those words are the start of his daily "News and Comment" radio program, which concludes with his intriguing "The Rest of the Story." Harvey is one of the most recognized newsmen in the world.
The Harveys, Paul and Angel, have become close friends with the Camelback church pastor Charles White and his wife Dianne. The Whites have been guests of the Harveys at their production studio in Chicago and have visited and prayed with them in their home in Phoenix.
Frequently one will notice a large black limousine in the parking lot of the Camelback church. That usually means Paul and Angel have quietly slipped into a back pew for the Sabbath worship service. As the service ends, they usually slip away just as quietly, not drawing attention from the service to themselves.
But that doesn't mean they have not changed the services at Camelback. "Earlier this year Mrs. Harvey gave a very generous and unexpected gift to the church for our audio/video systems, says White. As a result, we have been able to replace our sound system and to install two new projectors and screens, monitors, a two-camera video recording system with switcher, and the necessary equipment (including a new sound booth) to support these upgrades and additions."
Greg Mace, from GJM Productions, in Placerville, Calif., and sound engineer for the Heritage Singers, did the installation.
Construction began in October with a new sound booth to house the 48-channel sound board and computer-driven light and camera controllers. Trusses were installed in the ceiling to support the remotely controlled lights and cameras. The system includes new wireless microphones, DVD player and recorder, television cameras, and other media equipment, which brings Camelback to a high-tech status. Two large 8-foot by 10-foot screens were installed on either side of the baptistery, plus television monitors in front of the stage, and LCD panels in the foyer, overflow area and mother's room.
The $300,000 system was officially launched on Nov. 10 with an all-day rally featuring The Quiet Hour. During the morning church service, the baptismal service was projected to the new screens, giving the audience a better-than-ever view.
White says, "We are extremely grateful to the Harveys, first for their friendship, then for their generous gift which helped make our dreams for a better church service a reality."