After President Stealey opens in prayer and the reading of Colossians 1:9-19 (start-06:44), he introduces and reads the Abstract of Principles (6:45-21:04). After making some concluding thoughts, Dr. Stealey moves on to having two new professors sign the Abstract of Principles (23:30-26:55). Those professors were Dr. James E. Tull, Professor of Theology, and Dr. Emily K. Lansdell, Professor of Missions.
Ben Sigel Johnson, Special Instructor in Music, facilitates this program which starts with a congregational hymn and prayer. The main program then starts off with the singing of Psalm 1 (7:30-12:40) and then the Ordination of Judas Maccabeus set to music by Handel (12:45-18-39). Then an invitational is given with the singing of Psalm 23 to a symphony written by Paul Crestin, one of Southeastern’s foremost composers (22:55-28:05). Mr. Johnson ends the program with a Spiritual and benediction (28:06-end).
Dr. Emily Kilpatrick Lansdell, Professor of Missions, gave a lecture titled “Preparation for the Missionary Task in Today’s World.” Dr. Lansdell spoke on the importance of strategic missions in the midst of geo-political changes across the world. One of her major points was the importance of being prepared before going on the field. She discussed the importance of learning the language and culture of the place one serves in as well as having theological training.
Dr. Olin Trivette Binkley, the Academic Dean and Professor of Christian Sociology and Ethics, read Philippians 1:27-30, and then preached about "Citizenship in a Theological Seminary" from verse 27. He shared three characteristics of good theological citizens: indefectible faithfulness to Jesus Christ and to those who love and serve Him, courageous participation in the advancement of the Gospel, and readiness to suffer in the struggle for justice.
After reading Philippians 2:19-3:4, Dr. William Claudius Strickland, who was Associate Professor of New Testament Interpretation, spoke about the "Three Marks of a Worshiping Community". The three marks are worshiping God by His Spirit, boasting only in Lord Jesus, and not allowing oneself to depend on physical advantages.
After a few songs, the reading of Philippians 1:9-18, and a prayer, Dr. John Hall Buchanan, chairman of the survey committee that helped start Southeastern, is introduced (start-14:32). Dr. Buchanan encourages the class of 1959 from Philippians 1:9-11 (14:35-49:58). Dr. Stealey then concludes the service with a prayer.
After some songs and the opening prayer (start-5:05), Isaiah 40:18-31 and 2 Corinthians 5:10-21 are read to the graduates (5:06-12:03). Dr. Marc Hoyle Lovelace, Professor of Archeology, gives the charge from 2 Timothy 3:17 to the graduates of the class of 1959 (12:04-26:50). Dr. Stealey, the president of the seminary finishes with the benediction (26:51-end).
Dr. Stealey introduces Dr. Eduard Schweizer, a professor of New Testament from the University of Zurich, who then proceeds to lecture on “The Disciples of Jesus in the Post-Easter Church”. Using the parable of the Prodigal Son, found in Luke 15:11-32, as a jumping off point, Dr. Schweizer focuses on what Jesus would want for the church now.
Dr. Stealey welcomes and introduces Dr. Eduard Schweizer, a visiting lecturer who is a New Testament professor from the University of Zurich. Dr. Schweizer proceeds to discuss differing views, especially a gnostic one, on the "Body of Christ" and then posits the position he believes is most in line with the Bible.
After opening hymns and prayer, Dr. Stealey welcomed people to the dedication of the chapel, thanked different people involved, and introduced a couple of speakers (start-22:03). Dr. W. Perry Crouch, a member of the board, spoke briefly thanking all involved (22:05-24:15). Dr. Harold W. Seaver then preached from Hebrews 11:33-40. He focused on the role of faith specifically in the creation and dedication of the chapel (35:30-1:06:06). There was a prayer and a few hymns in conclusion of the dedication (1:07:00-end).
