Philadelphia is a gracious and hospitable city. Its historic buildings, and famous landmarks, are vital parts of our nation’s rich heritage. We are grateful for the part it has played in the history of America.
We are grateful also that in Philadelphia in 1707 cooperative Baptist work on this continent had its first organized expression and that in this same city in 1814 the first national convention of Baptists for missions was established. Much of what Southern Baptists are today stems from the determination of these early churches to work together in organized fellowships.
There are many groups and people to whom we are indebted for the cordial hospitality of this week. We express our appreciation to the local arrangements committee, most of whose members have had to serve double duty. They are G. W. Bullard, general chairman; Graves O. Collins, information; Clarence P. Moore, ushers; Oriece C. Hartman, first aid; George W. Townsend, decorations; C. Burtt Potter, Jr., dinners; Glenn L. Ridall, Jr., nursery; Vernon S. Lee, registration; Benjamin Davis, transportation; David F. Orr, post office; and James L. Goodson, publicity.
We give our special thanks to the men and women of the hotels and the restaurants, and of the taxis and buses who have served us well, and to their employers who have put their facilities at our disposal.
We acknowledge the extraordinary services of the Convention Bureau and its manager, Mr. John Watkins.
We appreciate the cooperation of the press and the 150 reporters who have helped communicate the Convention and its affairs to newspaper, radio, and television outlets around the world.
May the memory of our presence in Philadelphia be a good memory, and may God bless all who have been touched by the men and women and youth of our Convention.
RESOLUTION ON OUR GRATITUDE AND COMMITMENT
As Southern Baptists meeting in Philadelphia, a city of historic significance in the beginning of our nation and in the beginning of Baptist life in North America, we are keenly aware that God has richly blessed us across many years.
As we look back upon our rich heritage, and humbly thank God for his mercies to us in the past, we are made to realize that there is much happening among us in these days for which we must give thanks in this Convention.
We are grateful for the evidence of a new interest in evangelism that is spreading among us, and for the increased harvest of souls won to the Lord.
We are grateful for the renewed response to the Lordship of Christ among the youth in our churches and for the fresh enthusiasm and challenge which they bring to all of us.