As Southern Baptists meeting in Norfolk during this Bicentennial year, we pause to express our sincere gratitude for the hospitality shown the messengers to the 119th annual session of the Southern Baptist Convention. We have enjoyed the fellowship with Baptists in this beautiful and historic area of Virginia.
Though it is impossible to express appreciation to all persons to whom the Convention is indebted, special gratitude is due Vernon Ray Jenkins, general chairman of local arrangements, Paul D. Moore, Convention coordinator, the Convention arrangements committee and subcommittees, and all other persons of the Norfolk area who have had a part in making our stay pleasant.
We further express appreciation to the employees of the hotels and restaurants; to the city officials, the Police Department, and bus and taxi operators; to the news media which have given exceptional time and space to reporting the work of our Convention and to all others who have helped to make this 1976 Convention possible.