Read Dr. Donald Sweeting’s Inaugural Address to the RTS Community

Dr. Donald W. Sweeting was inaugurated as the fourth president of RTS/Orlando on Thursday, February 10, 2011, at 4:00 p.m. The ceremony was filled with sounds of bagpipes and drums, singing and guitar by Jeremy Casella of Indelible Grace, “Total Praise” was sung by the music ministry of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Oviedo, and the organ was played by Dr. Terry Yount, organist and dean of conservatory at St. Andrew’s Chapel. 

In addition to the faculty, 31 delegates from other seminaries, institutions and denominations participated in the processional. RTS/Orlando’s first president, Dr. Luder G. Whitlock, Jr. was in attendance for the ceremony, along with the second president, Chancellor Ric Cannada.

The welcome was given by Chancellor Cannada, and Chancellor-Elect Mike Milton gave the call to worship and invocation. RTS student Tim Trouten read the Scripture from John 1:1-14. Mr. James Seneff, Jr. introduced the speaker, Chuck Colson who gave the inaugural address. Dr. Simon Kistemaker, professor emeritus of New Testament gave the prayer. Dr. Cannada and Mr. James Moore, chairman of the board of trustees gave the presentation and investiture and Dr. Charles MacKenzie, distinguised professor philosophy and theology followed in prayer. Don’s father, Dr. George Sweeting, chancellor emeritus of the Moody Bible Institute, gave the charge to the president and Dr. Mark Futato, academic dean, gave the charge to the seminary community.

Click here to read President Don Sweeting’s response to the RTS Community. Dr. Milton closed with the benediction, and Scott Maclellan on the bagpipe along with Dr. Terry Yount on the organ, led the recessional hymn. A reception followed.