Although retired in 2006, Rev Edmondstone continues in his various programmes on 2CH and the Group Programme Director of the MRN (Macquarie Radio Network), Ian Holland, paid a special tribute to Rev John Edmondstone and his wife, Olive, on this special milestone.
Present at the function were fellow broadcasters, technicians and members of the New South Wales Council of Churches.
Mr Holland referred to Rev Edmondstone's background, in a fitting tribute. John began his radio ministry in 1957 on Radio 2NZ Inverell where he was appointed following graduation from the Baptist Theological College of NSW. Later he transferred to Queensland where he became active in radio ministry and in the Christian Television Association.
Upon his return to Sydney in 1970, John was approached by the then Secretary of the Baptist Union Mr Bruce King to become a Baptist representative on the Council of Churches in N.S.W. and a member of the Broadcasting Committee. Thus began his involvement with Radio 2CH and his service as Director of
Religious Programmes to which he brought a vision of the potential of radio for the spread of the Christian gospel and passion for its use for this purpose.
Aware of the need of the support of management John quickly developed a rapport and cooperative working relationships with the then 2CH General Manager, Don Craig and the Network Manager Bruce Rogerson. Over time he became a valued member of the 2CH team.
When, in the early seventies, the Broadcasting Control Board called into question the 2CH licensing arrangements whereby the licensee (the Council of Churches) and the operator (AWA Limited) were not one and the same entity - an arrangement unique in Sydney Radio - the station was asked to explain. As a representative of the licensee John ably presented the situation before them. The outcome was positive.
It was John who was given the task of "persuading" Rev Roger Bush, then a prominent 2GB broadcaster, to join 2CH and develop its image as the station of "Concern and Help".
Much could be said about John's radio ministry but the following needs to be said –
* John has proved himself an able presenter of the Christian gospel through programmes such as Sunday at 7-30am and Nightsong which have consistently attracted high ratings.
* John's willingness to conduct regional Sunday afternoon Hymn Singing gatherings as an extension of his popular "Nightsong" programme and extend the influence of Radio 2CH has been a major plus.
* John's advocacy of Christian principles and his guardianship of the "agreement" between 2CH and the NSW Council of Churches has been carried out faithfully and with good grace.
* John's insights into radio and his personal relationships have held together a station which, of necessity, must live with the twin tensions of being a commercial station appealing to a wide listening audience; and at the same time serving the interests of the Christian gospel and the NSW Council of Churches.
In response, Rev Edmondstone acknowledged those who had assisted him in many ways, especially John Singleton, a majority shareholder of the Macquarie Radio Network, who always stood by his promises in regard to the programmes.
Rev Edmondstone continues to broadcast his popular "Nightsong", Christian spots and the occasional "Sunday at 7.30am". Appreciation was also expressed to John's wife Olive who has been his encourager, supporter and counsellor throughout these thirty-six years of radio ministry.