Sunday, October 26, 1969
Boston, Massachusetts

Mr. Klausner then presented the Executive Secretary's report. He reported a shift in emphasis from building membership to promoting journal subscriptions. Paid subscriptions have increased from 600 to about 1,000 during the past year. On the other hand, only 219 new memberships were taken out, which is one-half the usual growth. Membership interest seems unusually high, however, for 495 ballots -- 50 per cent more than usual -- were cast in the recent election. Mr. Klausner also reported an increased promptness in payment of dues.

Several regional meetings have been held during the past year. The first was held in Dallas on December 12, 1968, in conjunction with the American Academy of Religion. A Southeastern regional meeting was held in Atlanta on January 24-25,1969; and a Northwest regional meeting was held in Portland, Oregon, February 14,1969. More regional meetings are scheduled for the near future.

Registration at the current annual meeting is smaller than anticipated. Four or five hundred registrations were expected, but the actual total is under 300. Mr. Klausner suggested that the local clergy, divinity students, and other "walk-in" participants, have elected this year to attend the meeting of the American Academy of Religion instead of our meeting. The AAR is meeting concurrently in another part of the city.

Mr. Glock then presented the President's report. The Council, at a special meeting held in May, regretfully accepted Mr. Klausner's resignation as Executive

Mr. Glock announced that the Journal will shortly begin publishing on a quarterly basis.

The Council has asked Mr. Johnson to serve as Secretary for an additional year. It has also asked Mr. Nelson and Mr. Dittes to represent the Society in the Council for the Study of Religion. The Executive Secretary will be a member ex officio of that Council in the future. A proposal has been made to cooperate with the C.S.R. in a joint newsletter, but no firm arrangements have been made.

Next year the Society will once again meet concurrently with the American Academy of Religion. Both meetings will be held at the New Yorker Hotel in New York City. Many feel this year's arrangement, which separates the two meetings by eight miles, is not satisfactory. Some are not convinced that joint meetings are a boon for the Society. Next year's experience will determine whether the Society will continue its present policy of meeting jointly with the AAR on an annual basis.

The Society has agreed to participate in 1972 in an international conference to be held in Los Angeles in the late summer.

Mr. Glock announced that the Society has accepted a contract with the University of California Press to handle printing of the Journal.

Mr. Burhoe then presented the Treasurer's report. The Society's solid assets amount to $3,000, and its liabilities amount to $22,000. The following steps are being taken to reduce the deficit: (1) the new arrangement with Notre Dame will materially reduce the expenses of the Executive Secretary's office; (2) more of the Society's work will be borne by its officers; (3) Council members have agreed to help raise money from friends and foundations; (4) it is proposed to raise the cost of membership and subscriptions. With the dues increase alone it should be possible to raise $44,000 in the year ahead. If expenses are kept to $37,000, it will be possible to apply $7,000 to debt reduction.

Mr. Burhoe moved that both annual membership dues and annual subscriptions be raised to $15, and that student dues be raised to $8. Motion seconded and passed after discussion from the floor.

It was moved and seconded that the Treasurer's report be accepted. Motion passed.

In the absence of Mr. Dittes, Mr. Gustafson briefly reported for the Journal. He thanked the membership for their cooperation in building a widely respected publication.

Mr. Glock then expressed warm appreciation to this year's program chairman, Phillip E. Hammond, and to the chairman of the local arrangements committee. He also acknowledged the presence of Horace Kallen.

The Secretary announced the election results. For President, Joseph Fichter; for Vice-President, Paul W. Pruyser; for Council members, Daniel Callahan and C. Eric Lincoln.

Mr. Clark then presented the following resolution:

• Resolved: That the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion express its gratitude on his coming retirement to Samuel Z. Klausner for his five year tenure as its Executive Secretary. During this time his unusual loyalty to high academic standards, his imagination and dedication to the affairs of the Society has led it to break new ground in both membership and influence in the international academic community. The happy mark he has left on the Society will live long in our history. Until we are able to express our feelings more appropriately at some time in the future, we wish to assure him and his helper in these matters, Mrs. Klausner, of our esteem and our affection.
  

• Resolved: That the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion express its sense of indebtedness to its outgoing President, Charles Y. Glock. In his conduct of its affairs he has shown resoluteness, ability and unusual devotion. Those of us who have worked closely with him have marked another trait most appropriate in a Society dedicated to the study of religion. This has been his unfailing humanity and his constant consideration for his associates. For these reasons it has pleased the Society to express in this way its affection and gratitude for what he has done for it during a difficult period of transition.