| Who We Are • Grace & Truth • What We Do |
A Missionary’s Dream
In 1925 E. C. Hadley went as a missionary to the French Sudan (now the
Mali Republic) in NW Africa. While on furlough in Switzerland, E. C. met
his wife, Lydia Chevalley, and together they began to dream of a world-wide
gospel literature ministry. A tropical disease forced him to leave the
mission field and return to the USA.
In 1931, the first gospel tracts started rolling off the press at Grace & Truth in Danville, Illinois. While E. C. travelled extensively preaching to God’s people in North America, Lydia assumed most of the responsibility for the print ministry.
Printing In The Kitchen ...
One story that has persisted over the years says that E. C. made his first
printing press from some 6 inch pipe and other miscellaneous hardware.
According to Sam, E. C.’s son and present manager of G&T, it was
actually the folder that was hand-made, not the press. However, it is true
that the first press room was the kitchen, and some of the printing
equipment did occupy the table between meals.
... And In Railroad Cars
From 1936 to 1950 the print shop was housed in two old railroad cars that
had been placed side-by-side on the property near the house. They
accidentally burned to the ground after the shop was moved to its present site.
Grace & Truth Magazine
The need for a monthly magazine was made evident from the feedback of many
recipients of gospel tracts who asked for a steady diet of encouragement
and instruction. The first issue of G&T Magazine rolled off the press in 1933 as much needed “food for the family of God.” It has continued uninterrupted to the present time, with the majority of the copies being sent free to the third world.
Our Work Today ...