The African American experience lived out in the history of the Diocese of Georgia, in the streets of Baltimore, Md., and in voices raised in songs found in the hymnal Lift Every Voice and Sing II, set the theme and tone of the diocesan convention Feb. 24-25 in Savannah.

In his convention address, the Rt. Rev. Henry I. Louttit, Bishop of Georgia, recounted the long history of ministry within the African American community, from the slave missions on the Ogeechee River in the 1840s, through the Civil War and reconstruction, to the convention of 1947, when black congregations were readmitted as full members of diocesan convention.

"I believe once again we are in a place in history where we have the opportunity to share the gospel with all sorts of people and to minister, in Christ's name, to all sorts of people," Bishop Louttit said. He also pointed out that in this century the diocese has shrunk from 13 historically black congregations to six, and said, "If God sends us (to build new congregations), he will give us the imagination and resources to do the job."

Lifting a convention full of voices in song, first at the general session on Friday morning, again at the Eucharist and again at one of several workshops that extended past the convention's official closing at noon Saturday was Horace C. Boyer, general editor of Lift Every Voice and Sing II. Equally as powerful were the words of the Rev. Michael Curry, rector of St. James' Church, Baltimore, whose sermon, titled, "Our God is a great God, and we are all God's children," brought a standing ovation from about 500 worshipers at the convention Eucharist. His keynote address on urban ministry as he has lived it in Baltimore also drew a standing ovation.

Convention delegates dealt quickly with the few resolutions brought to the floor. A budget of $1.5 million was approved.

(The Rev.) James N. Parker, Jr.