The meeting was convened at 5:05 p.m. by President Barbara Hargrove. A quorum was present.

Minutes of 1978 Meeting

It was moved and VOTED that the minutes be approved as distributed.

Nominating Committee

Jackson Carroll announced the election of new officers.

The Board has filled the vacancy created by Dean Hoge's election as Vice President by electing Jackson Carroll to serve the remainder of Hoge's unexpired term.

Treasurer's Report

Ed Rauff reported that it was necessary during 1976-1977 to support the budget with funds from reserves. Receipts were down from contributing and supporting members, a source of concern. It was moved and VOTED to accept the Treasurer's report.

Ad Hoc Committee

B. Hargrove reported the Board's decision to explore responses to membership declines and her appointment of a committee to examine development possibilities and New York office operations. This committee has worked since April and submitted its full report and recommendations to the Board of Directors. Vice President Bernard Quinn chaired the committee

C. Jacquet reported the addition of a part-time Development Clerk in the New York office to maintain records and to implement various promotional efforts. The RRA Treasurer will give oversight to office operations and update a new office manual developed by the Ad Hoc Committee.

B. Hargrove urged that all members work at the development task.

It was moved and VOTED that the Association continue efforts already begun in the development and office operation areas.

It was moved and VOTED that there be a cost-benefit analysis of the new procedures within two years and that a report of its results be made to the full membership.

Editor of the Review

Jim Davidson circulated several items. He made several points. The number of pages per Volume has been increased. There has been a change in the seasonal sequence. The Review has established advertising rates.

The number of papers received has increased over a year ago. The Editors have been more selective.

The themes of the next several issues was discussed. Jim called attention to the Fall 1979 issue on Theory and Policy in Religion.

The student rate will be lowered from $11.00 to $7.00 for Volume XXI as part of development efforts.

An attempt is being made to make possible a fourth issue under institutional sponsorship to be distributed free to subscribers. An index for Volumes I-XX will appear in the Summer of 1979. Attempts are being made to link available data from denominational sources with academic researchers in need of data.

Members were invited to share copies of the Review with colleagues and to invite their membership. Book review editor Ray Rymph was introduced.

It was moved and VOTED that the report of the Editor be accepted.

Finance Committee Report

E. Perry reported that the budget reflects anticipated success in new development plans. Various sections of the prepared budget were reviewed and the risks explored. It was moved and VOTED to adopt the budget with prayer.

Funds for H. Paul Douglass Lecture

E. Rauff explained that receipts for the Lectureship have not been forthcoming in recent years and urged members to seek funding source. B. Hargrove also invited contributions for the Index Fund.

By-Laws Committee

E. Brewer reported that the Board has approved a special mail ballot on a by-law change that would provide for election of a President-elect to succeed to the Presidency and making both the Office of President and President-elect one-year teems. Potential problems in transition were noted.

Program Chairpersons, 1978 and 1979

Jack Balswick reported that the program seems to be going well. Jack was congratulated for his good work.

Hart Nelsen reported that the 1979 meeting topic will be Lifestyle and Faith. He welcomes suggestions. B. Hargrove invited comments about sites and pros and cons of various types of hotel facilities. Cincinnati and Washington, D.C. have been suggested as possibilities. Attractions of Atlanta, Cincinnati, Hartford and Minneapolis were cited.

Some find travel costs less a factor than local costs. There is little preference for traditional "big convention cities". The Netherland Hilton in Cincinnati is highly regarded.

President's Report

B. Hargrove's report stands on its own. All of those who have worked hard over the past year were thanked. Jeff Hadden will be the 1979 H. Paul Douglass lecturer.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

William J. McKinney, Jr.

Secretary

November, 1978