The service begins with the reading of Psalm 24:1-2 (00:20), and an introduction is given for the Reverend Robert C. McClernon, pastor of Watts Street Baptist Church in Durham, NC. From Springfield, Missouri, he received a BA degree from Drury College in Missouri and a Bachelor of Divinity degree from the Federated Faculty of the University of Chicago. He also served as Associate Minister at Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC for nine years before coming to pastor at Watts Street (00:43-01:32). The service continues with a responsive reading of Psalm 23 (1:33-2:34) and prayer afterward (2:35-4:51). Robert McClernon begins his message with the prayerful reading of Romans 5:1-5 (04:52-05:52). McClernon intends to humbly share with his listeners some of his own understandings of what makes us who are we to be as ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Unless the clergy indicates to those whom we serve that God has called us to offer all of ourselves to Him in service, we cannot hope anyone else will do this after us. Firstly, God has called us to be theologians who love Him with our minds (05:53-09:58). Secondly, God has called us to be theologians who have ears and can minister by listening well (09:59-11:57). Thirdly, God has called us to have realistic self-conceptions, understanding that we must remember our humanity and weaknesses in our ministry as “professional” clergy and so protect ourselves from becoming “holy phonies.” According to McClernon, the gospel must become incarnate in us so that others see it as genuine, powerful, and effective for them as well (11:58-26:35). He then ends the service in prayer to God (26:36-27:54).
Albert Clayton Reid was Visiting Professor of Philosophy of Religion. Dr. Binkley opens the service with a scripture reading followed by music from 0:00-4:39. Binkley reads Matthew 16:21-25 from 4:51-6:37. He leads the chapel in a time of prayer from 6:39-8:13. Music plays from 8:21-10:34. Dr. Binkley introduces the speaker from 10:42-11:25. Dr. Reid speaks from 11:46-24:02. His subject is titled “Crisis and Courage.” He preaches on the divine mystery and beauty of spiritual courage in the face of adversity. The service closes with music from 24:06-25:29.
Herschel H. Hobbs was pastor of First Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, OK and president of the Southern Baptist Convention. The service begins with prayer, reading of selected verses in Hebrews 12, and another prayer from 0:25-6:50. The hymn, "All Creatures of Our God and King" are played from 7:00-9:58. Rev. Hobbs is introduced from 10:05-11:15. Dr. Hobbs preaches from Hebrews 2:1 on the superiority of Christ and how it is the Christian's duty to serve Christ from 11:20-1:04:31. There is a closing prayer from 1:04:31-1:05:00.
Albert McClellan was the Programming Planner Secretary for the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention. The service starts with a word of prayer from 0:00-1:37. An introduction to the speaker is given from 1:40-3:43. Dr. McClellan speaks from 3:47-38:26. He addresses the role everyone has to play in fulfilling missions. A closing prayer is offered from 38:35-39:33.
Raymond Eugene Owens was Assistant Professor of Preaching. A scripture reading takes place from 0:00-0:19. Dr. Owens offers a prayer from 0:31-3:11. He reads all of Isaiah 40 from 3:18-9:09. He closes the service in prayer from 9:09-10:03.
Olin Trivette Binkley was the second President of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Professor of Christian Sociology and Ethics. Dr. Binkley opens the service with announcements and prayer from 0:00-2:39. A responsive reading takes place from 2:45-5:13. Binkley preaches from 5:53-22:48. His message is to patiently wait on God in the midst of hardships.
George H. Shriver, Jr. was Associate Professor of Church History. The service opens with music from 0:00-1:08. A prayer is offered from 1:09-3:23. Dr. Shriver speaks from 3:38-30:09. Closing music plays from 30:10-30:29. [This recording is very poor quality.]