Electrical World and Engineer, June 26, 1902, page 125:
Church Service By Telephone.
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Reports from Washington, Ind., state that the Central Union Co. at that place started a new kind of telephone service for the benefit of those who wish to listen to church services going on in the city, without actually attending. Transmitters are placed in front of the pulpit at the leading churches, and subscribers can be connected to hear the church service desired. The first test of the plan was made June 13, when telephone subscribers of Washington and surrounding country listened to the sermon of Rev. J. F. Floyd. The idea is a very old one, but seems never to have been sustained in "commercial" practice by exchanges.