The meeting was convened at 5:30 p.m. by President Barbara Hargrove.

Development Committee Report:

Barbara Hargrove reported for the Development Committee. There has been a 13% gain in Membership mostly from denominational offices. Much of the increase has arisen from personal relationships of members.

President Hargrove introduced All Mohammed Datee, Chairman of the Association of Muslim scholars. He has attracted a number of new members and is chairing a session at this meeting.

Election participation is also up considerably over last year.

Treasurer's Report:

Ed Rauff distributed the 1979 Treasurer's report. There is an improved financial situation this year. Printing costs have risen 10% this year, but receipts have also increased. The RRA office assistance is the best it has been in years.

It was moved and VOTED to accept the Treasurer's report.

Finance Committee Report:

Everett Perry reported for the Finance Committee. He announced that the Board of Directors had approved increases in fees, and had added a new institutional fee and patron category.

The Board approved increases are as follows:

By increasing dues and fees we hope to eliminate the use of reserves and possibly show a surplus in 1980-81.

The Finance Committee report includes $1,000. for the H. Paul Douglass Lectures. The Development Committee will be responsible for raising these funds. Barbara Hargrove noted the recommendation on the H. Paul Douglass Lecture had been amended by the Board to include the statement that the lecture may be a Presidential address.

The audit for 1978/1979 was received by the Committee and by the Board.

Review of Religious Research:

Editor Jim Davidson reported there have been increases in both subscriptions and in articles submitted to the Review. The 20th Anniversary Index of the Review is now out.

Jim Davidson noted the Board has approved a $15.00 processing fee for manuscripts submitted by non-members. He asked for ideas on supplementary issues and benefactors for special issues.

In response to a question on the cost for extra copies of issues he noted the Review has guidelines for that. On another question regarding the cost of funding a special issue, he estimated that the cost of printing 100 pages is about $2,450. plus postage of $350-400. for a total of about $2,800 to 3,000.

President Hargrove announced that Jim Davidson will complete his term as Editor of the Review next year, and that President-elect Dean Hoge has formed a committee composed of Jim Davidson, Constant Jacquet, Doug Lewis and himself to find a new editor. Members are asked to give suggestions they may have to the committee.

Minutes of 1978 Meeting:

Minutes of the 1978 Meeting were distributed. There were no comments, additions or objections and the minutes stood approved as read. President Hargrove indicated any changes should be reported to Secretary, William McKinney.

Elections for Officers: President Hargrove announced the following results of the 1979 RRA election:

President Hargrove extended thanks to all who stood for election and congratulations to all those who won.

Board Vacancy:

There is a vacancy on the Board of Directors created by Doug Lewis's election as President-elect. The Board of Directors has the responsibility to fill vacant posts, and has elected Everett Perry to assume the vacant position.

Membership Roster:

The Board of Directors VOTED to have the secretary-elect work on a roster of RRA members.

Resolution of Thanks:

President-elect Dean Hoge expressed thanks to Jim Davidson, William McKinney, Everett Perry, Earl Brewer, Ron Wimberly, Hart Nelsen, to Sheila Kelly who acted as secretary and to President Barbara Hargrove.

Report of the President:

President Barbara Hargrove's report was distributed to members. She expressed thanks to Constant Jacquet and Ed Rauff for their work in improving the RRA office situation; commended Jim Davidson on his term as editor of the Review and for the 20th Anniversary Index; and thanked this year's Program Chairperson, Hart Nelsen, for a successful session.

President Hargrove rejoiced in the increased in numbers and involvement of members, and said the primary task of the Association is to promote a working relationship between church representatives and academics to further religious research.

Finally, she announced her pleasure at turning over the Presidency of the RRA to President-elect Dean Hoge.

President Dean Hoge:

Dean Hoge distributed and read a letter to members on his hopes for the Association. He asked members for their suggestions for the Association, and in response to a question on support of regional Associations said the Association is supportive of such groups, and that what is necessary is energy on the local lend for them to operate.

He is encouraged by the improved RRA office arrangement and hopeful that it will now be able to accomplish more.

1980 Program Chairperson:

Jim Davis, 1980 Program Chair, was introduced. The theme for next year's meeting is the Sociology of the Parish. It will be held in Cincinnati, October 31 to November 2, 1980.

H. Paul Douglass Lecture:

Barbara Hargrove reminded members that this year's H. Paul Douglass Lecture on the Contributions of H. Paul Douglass will be given tonight at 8:00 p.m. by Jeff Hadden. There will also be a panel Sunday morning on H. Paul Douglass. Both are highly recommended.

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

Respectfully submitted,

William J. McKinney, Jr.

(based on notes from Sheila Kelly)