Atlanta Daily World

Theta Phi Honors ITC As Outstanding Theological Center

Recognition has been given to the Interdenominational Theological Center as an outstanding institution for theological training by Theta Phi, international honor society for theological education.

Bishop Ivan Lee Holt distinguished world leader of the Methodist Church, will install the I. T. C. chapter and bring the address at an open assembly in Thirkield Chapel, 11:00 a. m., Tuesday, April 11. Bishop Holt will be assisted by Dr. Mack B. Stokes, International Secretary and faculty member of Candler School of Theology. Emory University.

Theta Phi exists to encourage scholarship in religion and to further intellectual and ethical standards of the highest quality among religious leaders. Scholars in the field of religion and outstanding religious leaders without distinctions of creed, race, or sex are chosen as members and membership is by invitation only. New chapters are established in accredited theological schools only by the granting of a charter by the Senate of the Society.

Senior students are chosen from the top 10 per cent of their class and middlers from the top 5 per cent. The students at I. T. C so honored are John M. Alexander, Jr., Merlin D. Conoway, and Stephen T. Nagbe. Faculty members designated to contribute to nucleus for the charter are Pres. Harry V. Richardson. Dr. Charles B. Copher, Dr. Lester R. Bellwood. Dr. Joseph A. Johnson, Jr., Dr. Ellis H. Richards, and Dr. Ralph L. Williamson. Dr. Copher is president. Dr. Richards. secretary. and Mr. Conoway. treasurer.

Bishop Holt's scholarly achievements include the A. B.. Vanderbilt University: Ph. D.. University of Chicago and numerous honorary degrees from some of the nation's leading colleges and universities.

His wide experience in the church include President of the Board of Pensions. the Methodist Church: President of the Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America: professor of Old Testament Literature. Southern Methodist University: pastorates of several churches: and chairmanship and membership on boards and committees of numbers of church agencies. for which he has traveled widely both here and abroad. He is author of: The Return of Spring to Man's Soul and The Search for a New Strategy in Protestantism. as well as a contributor to magazines and periodicals.

The public is cordially invited to attend this event and honor this charter group.