We express gratitude that God continues to set apart men uniquely equipped to fulfill the strategic responsibilities of his kingdom. In the manner of men of old who labored under a strong sense of divine mission, our Convention officers have given evidence of the endearment of the Holy Spirit.
We commend our president, Dr. Carl E. Bates, for his continuing responsiveness to the working of God’s will in and through his life which has prepared him to be an effective leader. We express our gratitude for his unselfish commitment in these two years of convention service. For his ceaseless efforts to unite us in one great missionary thrust at home and abroad we are grateful. He has manifested the love of Christ in his laborious correspondence with all who address his office, endeavoring constantly to be fair and just. He has expressed earnestly our confidence in and commitment to the Word of God as the vital, relevant counsel of God for our day. He has presided with grace and skill, maintaining democratic processes while keeping us alert to our primary tasks. He has sounded the note of hope in a time of despair, called us to commitment in a time of confusion and demonstrated the spirit of love that minimizes enmity and division. We declare our appreciation for this leadership.
We express our appreciation to the family of Dr. Bates for sharing him during this period of service. Our gratitude to the First Baptist Church of Charlotte for its understanding and support of his presidency is added to our thanksgiving to God for the continuing blessings of God they have experienced during these two years.
Our gratitude is expressed to the vice-presidents, Dr. James H. Landes and Dr. Warren C. Hultgren, for their distinguished service to our Convention. Appreciation is expressed to Dr. Clifton J. Allen, recording secretary, and Dr. W. Fred Kendall, registration secretary, for their able discharge of the functions of their offices. We add our appreciation to that of preceding Conventions for the continuing excellence of the leadership effected by Dr. Porter Routh, our executive secretary-treasurer. We recognize with appreciation the host of dedicated people who have performed the necessary task to bring this Convention to effective reality.