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.
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.
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).
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.
Dr. Stealey opens by reading Ephesians 6:10-20, and then introduces Dr. Niebuhr after a hymn. Dr. Helmut Richard Niebuhr, a Christian theologian, Professor at Yale Divinity School, and author of Christ and Culture, speaks on the impact Protestantism had at that time, and how they influence and shape culture.
After the reading of Proverbs 22:3, a prayer, and an introduction (start-8:42), Dr. C. Stanley Lowell, the Associate Director of Protestants and Other Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, speaks about the ecclesiastical response to Separation of Church and State, and clericalism in the country of Colombia (8:43-36:20). The service concludes with a prayer from Dr. Stealey (36:21-end).
After the opening hymn, Dr. Stealey prays and introduces the speaker (start-6:58). Dr. Edwin Theodore Dahlberg, President of the National Council of Churches USA, preached a sermon entitled “Bridge Builders” from Ephesians 4:13. He focused on unity between believers despite differences.
After an introduction by Dr. Stealey (start-3:30), Dr. Roger G. Branch, the Secretary of Missions for the Baptist Convention of North Carolina, shares three lessons he learned about pastoral ministry through his 25 years of experience. The three lessons are maintaining a wholesome self-scrutiny, the need for developing lay people, and there is tremendous value in the relationship to that denomination of which you are a part (3:31-19:01). The service concludes with a hymn (19:02-end).
After a hymn, a responsive reading, prayer, and introduction (start-11:35), Dr. W. A. Harold, the Secretary of the Department of Church Architecture of the Sunday School Board, speaks about the importance of church buildings.
On Thursday, May 15, 1958, the commencement sermon was given in the SEBTS Chapel. After the prelude and processional (start-0:34), Dr. Sydnor Stealey, the President of SEBTS, gave an invocation (0:35-2:40). After a few more songs, prayer, Scripture reading, and the graduates’ gift to the seminary (2:41-22:20), Dr. Dotson McGinnis Nelson, Jr., the pastor at First Baptist Church of Greenville, SC, gave the main address entitled, “Truth Incarnate” (22:21-1:07:15). The service concluded with a hymn, a benediction from Dr. Stealey, and the recessional (1:07:16-end).