Thursday, July 3rd | Back to Page 1

[Behind the Scenes, cont'd. from page 1]

This week their efforts are bearing fruit as the conference flows smoothly and the business of the church is accomplished.

During GC 2003, a highly talented team of musicians has come together from throughout the Pacific Northwest Conference to lead the "congregation" in praise and worship nightly. Worship team leader is Associate Pastor David Hicks from Seattle First FMC.

Joining the worship team on the platform each evening has been Master of Ceremonies Larry Roberts, chairman of the BOA Communications Committee and lay delegate from the Columbia River Conference.

Commemorative GC Book:
Passion of the Founders

Passion of the Founders, a compilation from General Conference dailies 1886-1919, opens with a brief history of General Conferences (published in 1890). The new book, distributed to all GC 2003 attendees, includes pastoral addresses to General Conference for 1886-1919, sermons preached at those conferences, and the entire text of the debate over the ordination of women (1890 and 1894 General Conferences).

One interesting item: In 1911, General Conference Daily readers were asked why they thought the denomination's growth had slowed. Since then, some have speculated that the decrease in the growth rate may have been due in part to General Conference decisions not to ordain women, and to rein in the Pentecost Bands.

A copy of Passion of the Founders is available to those who make a $25 donation to the Marston Memorial Historical Center. Contact the Historical Center at (800) 342-5531 or history@fmcna.org.