The service begins with the reading of Luke 1:68 (00:00-00:09) and prayer (00:10-00:46). Then the congregation reads aloud a responsive reading taken from Psalm 84 (00:47-02:37). An introduction is given for John M. Lewis, the pastor of First Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC, outlining his educational and ministerial background; he has been introduced as the “thinking man’s Baptist” (02:38-04:03). John M. Lewis begins his message by reading the Phillip’s translation of 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (04:04-05:07), and his message is “Wanted: A New Theological Map for Baptists” (05:08-06:32). He believes that Baptists have stressed certain distinctives at the depreciation or neglect of others, and his message centers on balancing Baptist distinctives for effective future ministry (06:33-08:56). Firstly, Baptists have emphasized individuality within Christianity; while Christianity is personal, it is not private but communal. He urges that the separation of church and state in America has led to a separation of secular and sacred, causing the church’s work in the public square to become that much more difficult to manifest (08:57-17:21). Secondly, Baptists have emphasized “once saved, always saved,” which Lewis argues has wreaked havoc on our ethical responsibility and has overlooked the progressive and futuristic realities of our salvation (“being saved” and “will be saved”). He also discusses the Baptist view of denouncing the Catholic practice of transubstantiation in Communion while overlooking our practical transubstantiational view of salvation, wherein we believe we are changed metaphysically but not in reality (17:22-22:47). Thirdly, Baptists have emphasized that Jesus Christ is Lord of the local church, but we have denied practically that “the body of Christ” refers to all of our brothers and sisters everywhere in the world (22:48-26:05). Lastly, Lewis suggests that the Baptist exaltation of the Bible as the “Word of God” needs to find its practical and theological home in the person of Jesus Christ, who is “the Word of God” (26:06-28:09); he also suggests that the Bible will be “a dead book” to others until they understand that the Bible is not just telling how God spoke and worked then, but also now in our own time (28:10-32:33). He then closes in prayer (32:34-33:31).
Sydnor Lorenzo Stealey was the first President of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. The service begins with an opening prayer from 0:00-1:31. There are scripture readings from various verses in Isaiah 58, Isaiah 40, 2 Corinthians 5 & 6 from 1:40-9:44. Special music is played from 9:52-13:03. Dr. Stealey gives the address from 13:06-29:44. Stealey gives a moment to recognize the students for completing their studies at the seminary. He encourages them to serve God faithfully and to love well everywhere they go. There is a tribute to Dr. Stealey from 29:46-32:55 as this is his last event as president of the seminary before he retires. J. Glenn Blackburn gives a few closing remarks and benediction from 32:56-37:38.
Edwin Luther Copeland was Professor of Missions. The service opens up with a prayer by Dr. Stealey from 0:25-1:40. A hymn is played from 1:41-3:17. 1 Corinthians 2:1-10 is read and another prayer is given from 3:33-7:53. The graduates present a gift to the school from 8:05-9:50. Another hymn is played from 11:57-17:21. President Stealey introduces the speaker from 17:27-21:27. Edwin Luther Copeland speaks from 21:32-53:14. Copeland preaches on how to be a good pastor and calls on them to excel in their churches and be men who love people like God loves people. Another hymn is played from 53:37-55:06. There is a closing prayer from 55:07-55:52. The rest of the recording features instrumental music.
Robert T. Handy was Professor of Church History at Union Theological Seminary in New York. The service starts with the chapel singing a hymn from 0:00-3:44. Dr. Binkley prays from 3:54-5:26. He introduces the speaker from 5:29-7:53. Dr. Handy speaks from 8:01-44:46. His subject is titled “Some Tensions in Baptist Thought About the Church.” Handy preaches on the importance of the local church. This lecture was part 1 of a 4 part series.
George H. Shriver, Jr. was Associate Professor of Church History. An introduction is given from 0:00-2:26. Shriver begins speaking at 2:46. He speaks on the subject of renewal in the Church, especially related to the ecumenical movement.
Olin Trivette Binkley was Professor of Christian Sociology and Ethics and Academic Dean. He begins the service with a prayer from 0:00-2:18. He begins preaching at 2:40. His message was titled "Christian Intentions in Times of Crisis." Dr. Binkley shares what the qualifications of a preacher are and encourages the students by telling them that in times of hardship they should place their trust and joy in Jesus.
After some songs, the reading of 2 Corinthians 5:19 and Luke 24:44-53, a prayer, an introduction, and a song (start-17:30), Carl F. Whirley, a Southern Baptist missionary to Nigeria, preaches about the joys of sharing the gospel from Luke 24:44-53.
Marion Powell was president of the North Carolina chapter of the Southeastern Seminary Alumni Association. The service opens with an announcement and song from 0:00-1:08. A responsive reading takes place from 1:20-3:30. A prayer is offered from 3:32-6:04. An introduction to the speaker is given from 6:07-6:47. The choir sings a special song from 6:50-8:59. Dr. Powell speaks from 9:09-31:11. He preaches on the importance of worship.
Dale O. Steele was a student at SEBTS. This service begins with a scripture reading and music from 0:00-1:08. There is a prayer from 1:12-2:09. A hymn is sung from 2:12-4:11. A responsive reading is read from 4:13-6:14. Mr. Steele preaches from 6:15-20:15. Steele shares how God has given us a quality of life for the present and the future. This service was organized by the Student Coordinating Council.
