Future of WBNH
WBNH Building/Moving update
Finally, a new home! We have completed the move from downtown Pekin to our new location, 1919 Mayflower Drive at Route 9, just two miles east of Pekin. We are very easy to find; you’ll recognize us by our new sign in front of the building on Route 9 between Pekin and Tremont. In fact, several new neighbors have stopped in to introduce themselves. Here are some highlights:
- Our new 12.5’ satellite dish is installed and already receiving our much-needed transmission signal from Moody Broadcasting Network. As you know, WBNH is a full Moody Radio affiliate. This means we take most of our programming off their satellite. So, this most-important lifeline is the first thing that was installed. And it works better than our old dish! So, our programming source is already in place.
- Next to our new dish is a new backup power generator. This is a must for our new, rural location. Now, if the power goes out at our new building, our LP-powered generator starts automatically and powers the entire building. We will always be powered!
- New signs have been installed on the front of our building, next to the highway and next to our entrance. Unlike our old location, this new signage points listeners driving by to 88.5 on their radio dial! What a blessing to proclaim God’s word from our front door! You can’t miss us now if you’re driving between Pekin and Tremont on Route 9.
- Our building received all new, energy-efficient windows this week. No more drafts! And they are much better looking, too!
- Carpeting was installed on the walls of our studios this week. This is done for sound absorption. It will make our guests and us sound better during our interviews, like during Share 2011, which comes up in March. The carpeting is now being installed on the floors, too!
- Construction started on our new 60’ monopole tower. Yes, we have two towers. One, located at our new office building, is designed to send our signal between our new office building east of Pekin over to our “big” tower, our 500’ broadcast tower in East Peoria. The monopole microwave tower is required at our new site, as we’re not up on the third floor like we were at our old office. (that dish was mounted on the roof)
- And, finally, we’re finishing the painting this week. Wow, what a task! We have painted every square inch, literally, of the new office building. The building now has a fresh, new, modern appeal. You will notice the difference the moment you step in our front door! By the way, the front door is new, too
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Now, we step into the new on-air master control room. This is the heart of the radio station, with much more room and more capability than we have ever had. All of the much-needed equipment you see here is new. Praise God! Jim is at the console.
- Many of our friends who visit with us on the air will love our new talk studio. Four mics and interview table designed to better do what we want it to do and to better accommodate guests.
Praise to our Lord, Jesus Christ! He has led us in a new direction! For months, the WBNH Staff and Board prayed about building a new studio. As we continued to seek God’s wisdom, it became apparent that He had prepared a blessing beyond our imagination. He led us to an existing building located at 1919 Mayflower Drive, Pekin (near Royal Colony Estates). Sometimes, speaking about me (Jim) personally, I can’t see the forest for the trees! God had this planned all along! The Board offered a bid on the building, and it was accepted. GOD IS AWESOME – WE PRAISE HIM FOR HIS PROVISION.
The new building has positioned WBNH to build equity instead of paying rent. This will free up future funds for projects like digital multi-band broadcasting, which will reach more souls for Jesus Christ. (Call Jim at 636-8850 if you are interested in an explanation!) Our new location has also allowed us to open our doors to local Christian groups. The new building has a full basement that could be used for Youth Groups or Christian family events. Currently, we have limited space for Share, meetings, storage and offices. It will be nice to have a neat, organized, spacious office!
