R. Albert Mohler Jr.’s book, He is Not Silent: Preaching in a Postmodern World, recently became the one-millionth item collected in The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary’s James P. Boyce Centennial Library.
The occasion was recognized Oct. 14 with a special presentation in chapel.
“There is a happy coincidence in that with the publication of Dr. Mohler’s book, the library has achieved the milestone of its one-millionth item,” Bruce Keisling, associate vice president for academic resources and seminary librarian, said as he presented Mohler with a framed print of the seminary and certificate marking the book’s receipt in the library.
“We want to acknowledge and celebrate this joint milestone of the library’s accomplishment, which is really represented in the stewardship of Southern Baptists throughout many generations,” Keisling said. “But we want to recognize this joint milestone of Dr. Mohler and the library.”
Russell D. Moore, senior vice president for academic administration and dean of the school of theology, said Mohler falls in a long heritage of Southern Seminary presidents who contributed to the scholarly and spiritual advancement of the institution.
“Southern Seminary has a heritage of presidents who are writers, scholars, theologians and leaders—from James P. Boyce, E.Y. Mullins, Albert Mohler—shaping and leading Southern Baptists and other Christians through writing,” Moore said. “So we want to recognize this week a very special occurrence.”
It is fitting to celebrate the millionth item during Southern’s annual Heritage Week, Moore said, because Mohler’s book is a symbol of the seminary’s continuing heritage.
“A time like this is a good reminder, as we celebrate our heritage, that God continues to bless and God continues to give a heritage,” he said.
Mohler urged students and faculty to reflect on the significance of so many items being collected in one theological library.
“One million items—that’s just an incredible hallmark as not only will the seminary be celebrating its sesquicentennial in the year 2009, but that library, in terms of the building, will be celebrating its 50th birthday as well,” Mohler said, noting that the library was built in 1959 on the seminary’s 100th birthday.
Mohler predicted that the greatest accomplishments of the library are still in the future.
“Under the wonderful leadership of Bruce Keisling, it’s going on to even greater heights of service,” he said.