The service begins with Joseph D. Coltrane introducing the Vice Chairman of the Student Coordinating Council, Leroy Fitz, and its Secretary Treasurer, Peggy Pore, leading the congregation in reading Psalm 24 (01:13-02:22) and prayer (02:31-04:56), respectively (00:00-04:56). The speaker states the Student Coordinating Council’s purpose (04:57-06:59), and various committee charimen speak. Firstly, Wayne Coley speaks as the dramatics committee head (07:00-08:24). Secondly, Jerry Robertson speaks as the athletics committee head (08:25-11:25). Thirdly, Gene Carnette speaks as the welfare committee head (11:26-13:13). Fourthly, Dianne White speaks as the chairman of the social committee (13:44-15:03). Fifthly, Ron Midlan speaks as the chairman of the ethics committee (15:15-17:47). Sixthly, Judy Henson speaks as the head of the music committee of the SCC (18:01-19:18). Next, Coltrane presents the committee’s student representatives to speak (19:19-22:37). Lastly, Coltrane presents some immediate challenges the SCC will be facing in the life of the seminary (22:43-25:54) before closing in prayer (25:55-27:03).
The service begins with the reading of a poem about God (00:00-00:49) and prayer (00:50-05:10). There was no introduction for the speaker, Thelma Arnote, but she was Professor of Religious Education and Director of the Child Care Center. She begins by speaking about the Battle Hymn of the Republic, then leading the congregation to sing it aloud from Hymn #488. The audio is removed, but the opening tune of the hymn is audible (05:11-06:49). She begins by speaking of the tendency at certain times of the year to be caught up in good works and concern (06:50-08:09). She then transitions to reading an excerpt on the topic of concern from Norman Cousins, the editor of the Saturday Review of Literature (08:10-11:45). With her closing words, she shares that the good works of men act as buffers against all kinds of evils in the world (11:46-13:00). The service ends with music and singing (13:01-18:32).
The service begins with the reading of 1 Peter 2:9-10 (00:00-00:38) and prayer reflected in the writings of John Greenleaf Whittier (00:39-04:49). There was no introduction for the speaker, Edwin Luther Copeland, but he was Professor of Missions at SEBTS. He begins by mentioning the subject of the message, “The Ethic of the Christian Mission,” describing the mission as always being done according to the ethic, and the ethic being measured according to the method (04:50-06:15). First, the ethic is one of servantile radical obedience, not a means of selfish gain (06:16-11:56). Second, the ethic is one of thorough-going honesty concerning the gospel message (11:57-20:17). Third, the ethic is one of identification or self-giving love (20:18-22:39). He ends in prayer (22:40-23:17), and the service ends in singing (23:18-24:25).
Raymond Eugene Owens was Assistant Professor of Preaching. Dr. Owens preached on how the church is often looking to the skies and waiting for Jesus to return and are ignoring the needy world around it. He states that for most churches, they discourage people from coming in due to race or status. Dr. Owens encourages SEBTS to be a better institution than the rest of the churches. He reminds the students that God will baptize them with the Holy Spirit; they just need to be patient and wait. Owens' source text was Acts 1:1-11. Dr. Owens speaks from 0:13-24:21. The hymn "Send Me O Lord, Send Me" is played followed by closing piano to end the service from 24:21-27:26.
The service opens with a responsive reading from 0:15-1:52. A prayer is offered from 1:57-3:21. Tom Shepard gives a message on how God has blessed Southeastern from 3:31-11:29. Frank Askins, the first graduate of Southeastern and chaplain of Buckner University, gives a message on the contemporary view of the Seminary from 11:40-22:00. M. B. Motts shares a message on the importance of theological education through Southeastern. He cites 2 Timothy 3:17. Motts speaks from 22:11-28:51. A closing prayer is offered from 29:02-29:35. This service was organized by the Student Coordinating Council.
Sydnor Lorenzo Stealey was the first President of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Stealey opens the service with prayer and announcements such as the explanation for the naming of Appleby building. Stealey's message is titled "Making the Most Out of Second Best." His source text was Acts 16:6-10. Dr. Stealey shares that God is still with you and working in your life even if what you're doing is something you don't want to do. He encourages the students that God has called them somewhere specific to share the Gospel. Dr. Stealey speaks from 0:08-21:45. A closing hymn is played from 21:45-22:51.
Wilbur N. Todd was Business Manager. Dr. Binkley reads a passage of scripture and music plays from 0:16-6:55. A responsive reading takes place from 7:00-8:55. A prayer is offered from 8:57-11:24. Todd preaches from 11:35-26:16. His source text is Matthew 26:39-41. Todd preaches on the subject of “Spiritual Preparedness.” He encourages the students to be prepared to face temptations.
Ben F. Philbeck was Professor of Religion at Carson Newman University. The service begins with an opening scripture reading from 0:00-0:27. A responsive reading takes place from 0:33-2:21. A prayer is offered from 2:22-4:45. An introduction to the speaker is given from 4:53-6:20. Dr. Philbeck speaks from 6:23-21:57. His source text was 2 Timothy 2:1-6. Philbeck exhorts those in chapel to view themselves as soldiers for Christ.
Donald E. Cook was the Assistant Professor of New Testament. The service begins with music from 0:00-2:06. Opening remarks are given from 2:30-3:37. A prayer is offered from 3:42-7:54. Cook preaches from 7:58-22:53. Cook discusses the biblical theologian’s tasks with the Word of God.
M. Ray McKay was Professor of Preaching. This unique service was the 10th spring graduation commencement service since the creation of the Seminary in 1951. The service starts with a word of prayer from 0:00-1:43. Music plays from 1:45-4:28. Isaiah 52:1-10 is read from 4:46-7:38. A prayer is offered from 7:39-9:53. Ruth Lassiter, a senior, presents the senior class gift to Dr. Stealey and the Seminary from 10:05-11:07. Dr. Stealey recognizes and welcomes those who are in attendance from 11:20-13:58. Music plays from 14:09-17:56. Dr. Stealey introduces the speaker from 18:03-21:57. Dr. McKay speaks from 21:58-51:42. He delivers an address to the graduating class to proclaim the gospel faithfully. Music plays from 52:01-55:54. A closing prayer is offered from 55:56-56:45.
