The 1997 meeting of the General Synod occurred last week at Bonclarken. Overall, it was one of the most positive meetings I have experienced. The emphasis was on growth through new church plantings and the addition of an entire Presby-tery of Korean churches in California, New York, and Houston, Texas. We now have the Pacific Presbytery and the nine pastors made a special trip on Thursday fol-lowing Synod to Erskine to observe our College and Seminary. Dr. Randy Ruble was a delegate on the Commission that traveled to California to examine the pas-tors. The CommissionÕs recommendation passed without a dissenting vote. It is our hope that these and other Korean churches will send their undergraduate and seminary candidates to Erskine.

Erskine Trustee and Moderator this year, The Rev. Max Bolin, turned the gavel over to The Rev. Jim Coad. On several occasions, he referred to his days as pastor here at the Due West Church and how he watched students at the College and Seminary grow, both academically and spiritually.

The ModeratorÕs Committee on Erskine was chaired by Sam ToddÕs father, The Rev. Calvin Todd of Fayetteville, TN. Trustee Bill Patrick presented an over-view of the year with highlights of the year-long study of the mission statement, etc. Dr. Ruble gave an update on the state of the Seminary and the official Trustee reso-lution of appreciation to Dr. Ruble was approved by the committee, for Synod action later.

Jay West gave an overview of the ChaplainÕs Office and various programs emphasizing Living Hope and the China Program. The SCA prayer book for all of our students who are on the mission field this summer was shared with the com-mittee by Mr. Patrick.

Our PR team of Jason Peevy and Tom Lewis gave a very effective visual and hardcopy presentation on the importance of churches having a webpage. Several pastors asked for assistance in their efforts to get started.

During the business session, the committee approved our printed recom-mendations and the tribute to Dr. Ruble. The few questions dealt with process and our top priorities for the coming year.

Other Erskine activities included the introduction of new pastors from Erskine and Seminary students of ETS. A special 15-minute program honoring Dr. Ruble was presented on Tuesday by Trustees Bill Patrick and Frank Hunt and com-ments by The Rev. Tim Erskine of Newberry. A special lunch for all Erskine gradu-ates and friends was held in honor of Dr. Ruble. (A special note of thanks is due to Dr. Jay West for coordinating all special events for Dr. Ruble at Synod and in Due West.)

The Board of StewardshipÕs recommendation for Erskine was approved. It is basically for unrestricted operational expenses, plus a portion of the ChaplainÕs sal-ary and $500 for the ARP student organization. The amount approved was $453,189 Ñ a $13,497 increase over last yearÕs amount.

The Synod also approved the following new Trustees for the Erskine Board.

For a regular six-year term:
Dr. R.M. Alexander (Robert), Rock Hill, SC
The Rev. Dr. J.H. Ball III (John), Bartow, FL
Mr. W.M. Bostick, Jr. (Welch), Greenville, SC
The Rev. G.H. Rowell (Gilbert), Lancaster, SC
Mr. R.M. Stidham III (Mac), Columbia, SC

For a three-year term:
Dr. C.H. Carlisle (Charles), Due West, SC
Mr. R.L. Hamilton (Bob), Fayetteville, TN

Other Board members by virtue of their positions are:
Mr. J.D. Chesnut (David), Atlanta, GA - Alumni President (voting)
The Rev. James Coad, Jr. (Jim), Flat Rock, NC - Moderator of
the General Synod (voting)
Mr. J.M. Dickson (Jim), Clover, SC - Moderator-Elect of the
General Synod [also former Trustee] (non-voting)
Mr. W.E. Kibler, Jr. (Bill), Honea Path, SC - Chairman, Board of
Counselors (non-voting)
Mrs. Joe Chandler (Vickie), Greenwood, SC - President, Parents
Advisory Council (non-voting)

During the various proceedings and events, I received many compliments about the College and Seminary Ñ especially the year-long study of the mission statement and how all of us working together can help fulfill it for our students. I mention these expressions of support because they are a result of your individual efforts to achieve excellence in all we undertake.