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.
Ben Sigel Johnson, Special Instructor in Music, facilitates this program which starts with a congregational hymn and prayer. The main program then starts off with the singing of Psalm 1 (7:30-12:40) and then the Ordination of Judas Maccabeus set to music by Handel (12:45-18-39). Then an invitational is given with the singing of Psalm 23 to a symphony written by Paul Crestin, one of Southeastern’s foremost composers (22:55-28:05). Mr. Johnson ends the program with a Spiritual and benediction (28:06-end).
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).
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 opening hymns and prayer, Dr. Stealey welcomed people to the dedication of the chapel, thanked different people involved, and introduced a couple of speakers (start-22:03). Dr. W. Perry Crouch, a member of the board, spoke briefly thanking all involved (22:05-24:15). Dr. Harold W. Seaver then preached from Hebrews 11:33-40. He focused on the role of faith specifically in the creation and dedication of the chapel (35:30-1:06:06). There was a prayer and a few hymns in conclusion of the dedication (1:07:00-end).
After the reading of Psalm 118:1-6 and prayer (start-5:05), Jesse Burton Weatherspoon, Visiting Professor of Preaching, teaches on the love of God revealed in the Holy Spirit (5:06-35:14). The service concluded with a song.
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.
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.
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).