Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1995 - Rparchives.org

84 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEvery cost-effective means of both home and foreign missions as not onlyindividuals but teachers are equipped with the Gospel, the Reformed faithand RPCNA distinctives.TRANSITIONDr. Stewart completed his service as President and Professor of PastoralTheology on June 1st, having served the Seminary with great distinction since1973. Some of the more outstanding blessings of God on his work for usinclude authorization from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to grant theMaster of Divinity degree (1977), hosting Pastors' Refresher Courses (1979,1985, 1991), the complete recataloguing of the library (1983), beginningregular evening classes (1984), celebration of the 175th Anniversary of theSeminary (1985); dedication of the Rare Books Room (1986); organizationof The President's Council (1986), hosting the Reformed MissionsConsultation (1987); beginning "block" one day classes (1990); the increasein number of black students and the founding of the Center for UrbanBiblical Ministry (CUBM) at RPTS (1990); the installation of a fullycomputerized catalog for the library (1992); beginning classes in computeruse for research and language study (1993); full accreditation of theSeminary by ATS (1994); increase in student enrollment from 19 (1973-74) to 98 (1994-1995), increase in gift income from about $5,000annually (1970s) to about $50,000 annually (1980s) to $135,000 in1994. We are thankful to God for His blessing to us in and through Bruceand ask our fellow delegates to join us Monday evening, June 19 at 9PM fora special tribute to Dr. sc Mrs. Stewart. Please join us also on Friday,October 6th at 6:30PM in Alexander Hall for Dr. Stewart's RecognitionDinner. The Board voted to confer the title of President- and Professor-Emeritus upon Dr. Stewart.Jerry O'Neill was elected President at our last synod and is now settled inPittsburgh and fully involved in the work and life of the Seminary. Jerryassumed the responsibilities of President on June 1st and is to be inauguratedon Friday, September 15th. Please join us in this celebration. We arethankful to God for providing us with a man of such faith, zeal, diligence,leadership and integrity, and look forward to the Lord's blessings on His giftto us in Jerry.FACULTY AND STAFFDr. Stewart completed his course and broke the tape in full strength andstride. His double load included teaching courses in Pastoral Theology andoverseeing the entire work of the Seminary. His administrative duties areconsiderable, including development, recruiting, purchasing, building scgrounds and the oversight of daily operations.Dr. Stewart serves in many ways beyond the Seminary and always withthe good of the Seminary very much in mind. He serves on the North HillsSession and as chairman of their Worship Committee. He serves on the Boardof CUBM, as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Geneva College andas Chairman of Synod' s Committee to Revise the Directory for Worship. He