The January/February issue of Signs of the Times marks 120 years of continuous publication of the Adventist church’s South Pacific outreach publication.

The first issue of the ‘Bible Echo and Signs of the Times’ was published in Melbourne, Victoria, in January 1886. The history of the magazine is detailed in an article in the current issue of Signs researched and written by Alan Holman, a former production manager at Signs Publishing Company.

In 1886, the first editorial promised the new magazine would proclaim the truth of the Bible—the “echo”—and highlight the prophetic significance of the times. Former Signs editor Pastor Bruce Manners says he is proud that Signs still holds to this mission. “For me it was an honor to be part of the history of such a significant magazine in the Australian culture,” he reflects.

“Having looked at the history of Signs magazine, I’ve been amazed at how little Signs has changed and yet how well it has kept with the times. One hundred and twenty years ago, Signs looked at issues in the community, was fairly hard hitting at times, and often with a sense of humor.”

Pastor Manners oversaw the reformatting of Signs in the early 1990s. He says this was a highlight of his 17 years working with the magazine. “It was an enjoyable challenge being involved in the risk of changing the magazine, not only in the size but also in the format, where we tried to tap into popular culture while maintaining a strong Adventist emphasis.”

These days, working as the pastor of the Avondale College Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pastor Manners sees Signs from a different perspective. “Now as an observer of Signs, whenever I see a Signs magazine, I can’t resist picking it up and leafing through it,” he says. “I think it still maintains that original focus.”

Setting up a printing press and beginning a regular magazine was among the top priorities of the Adventist pioneers in Australia, who gave away the initial print of the magazine on street corners in Melbourne. Now, thanks to many subscribers and donors, Signs arrives monthly in thousands of homes and is also available in a variety of public places, such as transport terminals, waiting rooms and church displays at major events.

And in the past two years, Signs of the Times has established a growing presence on the Internet. According to online editor Scott Wegener, the Australian Signs Web site is now receiving more than 75 visitors per day and this has been growing every month.

The Signs article recounting the history of the magazine features a retrospective of Signs covers and highlights of the issues featured in the magazine over the years. “As a constant in this hectic world,” Mr. Holman concludes, “Signs of the Times continues to offer comfort, assurance and hope.”