If you’ve ever attended one of my workshops or presentations, I will typically start by asking the crowd to identify the technology being used in this photo. I’ve heard everything from folding machine, printing press, to paper shredder. If you are over the age of 45, you are more than likely able to identify it as a mimeograph machine.
For those of you under the age of 45 … a mimeograph machine or stencil duplicator is a low-cost printing press that forces ink through the stencil onto paper. This was the first bit of technology that I used as a church communicator. That’s right, as a child, I recall helping to print the weekly bulletins on the church mimeograph machine. These machines had a unique smell, were messy, and tended to jam.
What’s surprised me the most when sharing similar pictures is that many mainline churches around the world are stilling using mimeograph machines — For some, it’s their primary tool to communicate. This photo serves as a reminder that while many have been blessed with a wealth of new technology to communicate a message, not everyone has the same opportunity.
Please share how you or your church is communicating beyond the Internet.
Photo: Prevost High Class of 1959
