Standard Publishing
| Company type | Imprint (under David C. Cook since 2015) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Christian publishing |
| Founded | 1872 in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States |
| Founder | Isaac Errett, Herbert Moninger, P. H. Welshimer |
| Fate | Became an imprint of David C. Cook in 2015; Christian Standard Media manages remaining properties |
| Headquarters | Cincinnati , United States |
| Products | Christian Standard periodical, Vacation Bible School programs, Sunday school materials, Bible lesson commentaries |
| Owner | David C. Cook (imprint since 2015); Christian Standard Media (remaining properties) |
| Parent | David C. Cook (since 2015) |
Standard Publishing is a Christian publishing firm without denominational affiliation, connected to the Restoration Movement and established in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1872. Its primary offerings included the prominent periodical Christian Standard alongside educational resources for churches, such as Vacation Bible School programs.
In 2015, following the sale of its Bible lesson commentary series, Sunday school materials, and additional church-related products, Standard Publishing became an imprint under David C. Cook. The remaining properties—including Christian Standard, The Lookout, and various digital ministry tools—are currently overseen by Christian Standard Media.
Founding
The inception of Standard Publishing is closely tied to the Restoration Movement’s development. Influential figures such as Isaac Errett, Herbert Moninger, and P. H. Welshimer played key roles as founders and editors, shaping the company’s early editorial policies and business approach.
Printing history
In 1914, Standard Publishing expanded its operations by constructing a two-story facility at Ninth and Cutter Streets and a concrete-and-steel plant at Eighth and Cutter Streets—among the earliest of its kind west of Pittsburgh. That year also marked the company’s debut in color printing and the establishment of Sterling Engraving Company for engraving services.
By 1945, to accommodate growth, the company relocated to a larger building at Parkway and Jackson Streets, where it also opened a bookstore in 1947. In 1955, operations moved again to a modern, climate-controlled plant in Mount Healthy, a suburb north of Cincinnati. This seven-acre site centralized composing, printing, binding, and mailing functions with state-of-the-art presses capable of producing specialized items like flannelgraph kits.
At its height in 1973, the plant processed 27.5 million pounds of paper and more than 400,000 pounds of ink annually. Eventually, Standard Publishing ceased printing activities and shifted to its current office location near Cincinnati to concentrate on publishing and digital offerings.
Publications
From its beginning, the company has issued Uniform Lessons in multiple formats, including the yearly bound edition The Standard Lesson Commentary, published continuously since 1954. Between 1942 and 1947, it also produced Christian-themed comic books.
Its publications tailored to different age groups evolved from early titles such as Sunday School Standard, Boy’s Life, and Girlhood Days into current series:
- Standard Lesson — adult Bible study materials designed for Sunday school classes, small groups, or individual use
- Encounter — curriculum for junior high and high school Sunday school students
- 40 Instant Studies — topical Bible studies for teen small groups
For younger audiences, Standard Publishing provides:
- HeartShaper — Sunday school curriculum targeting ages 1–12
- 13 Very — small group Bible studies for ages 3–12
- Route 52 — Bible study materials for ages 3–12
- CAMP — large group event curriculum for ages 5–12
- Biblical Choices — Bible study resources for Christian schools and homeschooling covering Kindergarten through sixth grade
Originally launched in 1888 to support the Christian Endeavor youth organization, Young People’s Standard was renamed The Lookout six years later. This weekly Christian magazine aimed at adults continues publication today.
In 1911, the company introduced Training for Service, a resource for Sunday school teacher training that has been regularly updated over time. Two years later, in 1913, it pioneered Vacation Bible School (VBS) curriculum with a five-week program.
The flagship journal Christian Standard was published weekly from its start in 1866 until September 2012 when it shifted to a monthly format featuring 64 pages. In 2014, it expanded its reach by launching a digital app compatible with mobile devices.
Ownership history
Following 1872, the Errett family gained complete control and managed Standard Publishing until its sale to John Bolten Sr. in 1955. During Bolten's tenure, the firm grew into a global enterprise recognized as Standex International.
In July 2006, the New York-based private equity group Wicks Group purchased Standard Publishing, incorporating it as an imprint within New Mountain Learning. The company moved to updated Cincinnati facilities in 2007, where its successor organization, Christian Standard Media, currently operates.
In 2015, David C. Cook acquired the Standard Publishing name along with its Bible lesson commentaries, Sunday school materials, and church resources from New Mountain Learning. It is important to note that Christian Standard and The Lookout were not part of this transaction and remain under the ownership of Christian Standard Media.
Christian Standard Media was subsequently bought by The Solomon Foundation in 2017.
Sources consulted
- "Standard Publishing Company," p. 698. "Christian Standard," p. 197. "Butler, Burris (1909-1982), p. 103. "Errett, Isaac," (1820-1888), p. 301. "Lookout, The," p. 487.