The first and fourth stanzas of the hymn “Come, Thou Almighty King” is prayed over the congregation at the tenth convocation of the seminary’s existence (00:00-00:42). President Sydnor Lorenzo Stealey introduces Dr. Miller concerning his educational, ministerial, and working background; he was the Dean of Harvard Divinity School (00:43-05:29). Dr. Miller’s sermon title is “Souls Threshed from their Husks,” a phrase taken from William Blake’s work. He believes the prime urgency of the ministry of the twentieth century is to be a well-founded, unconfused person, since many are confused as to what this means. Such a man, through theological integration, has been stripped of the world’s illusions and understands true personhood in Christ (05:30-22:16). We must live “at the growing edge redemptively” – the edge where God’s revelations come to life in difficult moments when sometimes words fail to pass from our lips (22:17-37:52). The crises of our lives force us to answer for ourselves what we think, feel, or believe alone before God, and these moments are what God uses to thresh our souls from their husks over our lifetimes (37:53-41:44).
Searcy Garrison was the Executive Secretary of the Georgia Baptist Convention. The service begins with Dr. McDowell leading in prayer and introducing the speaker from 0:00-5:42. Dr. Garrison speaks from 5:45-30:45. His source text was Joshua 1:1-3, 5-7. Garrison notes that God is continually revealing Himself to those with eyes to see, ears to hear, and minds to obey the will of God. He states that we have a responsibility to share the Gospel with the rest of the world.
The service opens with an announcement of the spring choir concert from 0:00-0:27. An opening scripture reading occurs and music plays from 0:28-0:58. A responsive reading takes place from 1:05-3:00. The Student Coordinating Council goes over the Honor Policy that members of the council must abide by from 3:10-7:30. Further announcements on the Student Coordinating Council are given from 7:38-9:40. A prayer is offered from 9:42-10:33. Music plays from 10:39-11:16. A closing prayer is offered from 11:19-12:49. This service was organized by the Student Coordinating Council.
Sydnor Lorenzo Stealey was the first President of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Stealey offers a prayer from 0:39-3:35 and delivers his sermon from 3:42-18:18. Stealey preaches on how God is the only thing in this world that is worth knowing and valuing. He encourages the students to continue to put their primary interest in their lives in God.
Edwin Richmond York was a student at SEBTS. The service begins with the scripture reading of Psalm 91:1 and a prayer from 0:00-4:29. York gives a message titled, "Salt of the Earth." Richmond notes how pastors are called to be spiritual leaders yet suffer from not truly believing the promises in the Bible that they proclaim. He calls upon his fellow students to truly be salt of the earth. York speaks from 4:45-14:57. This service was organized by the Student Coordinating Council.
William Christian Sizemore was Assistant Librarian. Music opens the service from 0:00-4:40. Sizemore speaks from 4:53-16:20. He preaches on the imperative to keep up with the changes that are taking place in the ever-changing world. Sizemore states that this is accomplished through reading and studying. He says “Reading is the soul’s most nourishing medicine.” This service took place during National Library Week.
Garland Alford Hendricks was Professor of Church-Community Development and Director of Field Work. The service starts with a scripture reading and prayer from 0:00-1:31. Hendricks speaks from 1:41-14:17. He preaches how to use one’s talents and gifts for the glory of God in a modern, secular world.
James E. Tull was Professor of Theology (1960-1985). Dr. Tull states that Jesus Christ redefines our history and our future. Tull speaks for the entirety of the recording.
The service begins with the reading of Philippians 2:12b-13 (00:00-00:18), prayer (00:19-03:42), and announcements (03:43-09:26). No introduction was given for Sydnor Lorenzo Stealey, but he was the first president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He proceeds to read 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 and Hebrews 13:15-16 from the KJV (09:27-11:26), and then the same passages again from the Amplified New Testament (11:27-13:38). Stealey talks about an increasing willingness to look into our life and to try to make the institutional church conform more nearly to the spiritual church (13:39-16:02), and he advocates for the Home Mission Board (now the North American Mission Board) for students to participate in the Pioneer Program throughout the West (16:03-16:33). He then reads from the most recent issue of Home Mission Magazine, calling attention to the issue of segregation in public schools, which would continue to deepen the division between church and state (16:34-18:40). The main point of his message is this: in our living, we can do right, according to our conscience and our spiritual Leader, who is Christ (18:41-18:59). He concludes his time speaking about the cooperative program’s longevity in Southern Baptist life (19:00-21:50) and in prayer (21:51-22:09).
