A beloved voice that has been on the airwaves almost every evening for half a century is being celebrated in Swift Current this year.

Brother John has produced and hosted Night Watch on CKSW 570 and CJSN 1490 since July 4, 1974 -- and much has changed over the five decades.

"When we started, we only had fifteen minutes, three nights per week," he recalled. "We did it on reel to reel, and we used vinyl records back in those days. Queueing up records was an exciting time, you know, so you didn't get the old grind at the beginning."

The inspirational program has highlighted countless artists from across Canada through the gospel music he carefully selects from 10 p.m. to midnight on weekdays and 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

Over his 50 years, Brother John has collected many cherished memories and precious experiences, even getting a one-on-one interview with the iconic Colonel Sanders.

"On his 87th birthday he was here in Swift Current," Brother John said. "He told me some really interesting things about his life, and how God changed his life to what it was at that time. I was really honoured to be able to do that."

On Brother John's official anniversary of running Night Watch, a come-and-go event will be held at Golden West Broadcasting's Swift Current office from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., featuring local dignitaries, appetizers and a formal ceremony at 2:30 p.m. A dinner at Casey's Dining Room will follow that evening. 

Anyone who would like to attend either the drop-in or the dinner can reach out to him directly at (306) 773 - 8215.