As Myers Park Baptist Church continued to reflect on its founding and the journey that followed, 1978 became a year marked by intentional remembrance and thoughtful growth. The congregation revisited its own story through additional showings of Journey of a People, affirming the conviction that understanding where the church has been is essential to discerning where it is called to go. These moments of reflection were not static, nostalgic exercises; they reinforced a living identity shaped by experience, growth, and an evolving understanding of faith lived in community.

Remembering Who We Are: Story as Sacred Ground
As part of the celebration of the founding of the church and the journey since, Myers Park Baptist Church returned again to its story and collective memory. Additional showings of Journey of a People invited members to reflect on the events, decisions, and people who shaped the congregation’s life. In revisiting this shared narrative, the church reaffirmed the importance of honoring its history—not as a closed chapter, but as a guide for faithful ministry in the present and future.

Women, Theology & the Courage to Listen Deeply
A defining moment of 1978 came with the visit of theologian Sandra Ellis-Killian, whose presence highlighted the church’s growing engagement with emerging conversations around gender, theology, and vocation. A member of the Task Force on Women and Religion for the National Organization for Women, Sandra brought both rigorous scholarship and lived insight to her leadership. Addressing themes such as “Redeemed Existence: Eden recovered” and the evolving roles of women and men, she created space for deeper reflection on inclusion, calling, and the full participation of all people in ministry. Her visit marked an important step in the congregation’s expanding awareness of gender justice within the life of the church.

Beauty, Creativity & Faith in Full Voice
The arts continued to be central to the church’s spiritual life through the Hyacinth Series, a free concert offering shared with the wider community. These events embodied a belief that beauty and creativity are essential expressions of faith and witness. The 1978–79 season opened with a recital by Thomas Moore, baritone, in September, followed by New Reflections Dance Theatre in November. The series continued with The Charlotte Symphony in January 1979, CPCC Student Theater in March, and Sandra Bailey, folk singer, in April. Guiding the series were Hyacinth Committee leaders Mrs. Wallace Osborne (chairman), Mrs. Michael Lafleur (publicity), and Mrs. Paul Gold (arrangements), whose leadership nurtured a rich intersection of art and spiritual life.

Ordination and the Shape of Shared Ministry
The ordination of Bruce Page marked a deeply meaningful moment in the life of Myers Park Baptist Church. With special music and the participation of clergy including Dr. Owens, Dr. Marney, Dr. Heaton, and Dr. Claude Broach, along with family and the gathered congregation, the service celebrated both an individual calling and the communal nature of ministry. The presence of previous senior ministers and the active participation of the congregation underscored a core conviction that ministry is never solitary—it is formed, affirmed, and sustained within the shared life of the church.

Scripture with Depth, Honesty & Inquiry
In 1978, the congregation demonstrated a continued commitment to thoughtful and informed engagement with Scripture. A weekend Bible Focus led by Dr. L. D. Johnson explored not only what the Bible says, but how it has been interpreted through history and applied in contemporary life. Through lectures, discussions, and small groups, participants were invited into a richer, more nuanced approach to faith—one that honored tradition while welcoming critical reflection and inquiry.

Hospitality, Fellowship & the Gift of Being Together
Community life flourished through simple yet meaningful acts of hospitality and shared joy. An open house hosted by Gene and Ann Owens at their new home—generously given to the church by Dr. and Mrs. E. Reed Gaskins—reflected a culture in which relationships between clergy and congregation were personal and accessible. All‑church gatherings, including a lakeside Roast‑A‑Pig at Lake Norman, further emphasized fellowship as a vital expression of faith and belonging.

Continuing the Journey Together
Looking back, 1978 stands as a year when Myers Park Baptist Church leaned fully into its calling to remember, to listen, and to grow. Through revisiting its story, engaging challenging conversations, celebrating beauty, affirming shared ministry, and nurturing community, the congregation demonstrated that faith is not static—it deepens through reflection and expands through courage. Honoring the past while embracing new voices and possibilities, the church continued its journey with openness, humility, and hope.