LA MIRADA, CALIF. --- 51’s ‘Red Book’ will be the guest of honor this Friday, January 9, 2009 for the annual affirmation of the “Workers’ Register and Articles of Faith.” The ceremonial signing will take place in Calvary Chapel at 51 where the members of the Board of Trustees will reaffirm their commitment to 51’s mission by signing the book.

The “Workers’ Register and Articles of Faith,” popularly known as the ‘Red Book,’ is signed annually in December by the Board of Trustees at a private meeting. However, this year on the heels of 51’s 100th anniversary, the event will be open to the public and each signing hereafter will be open to the 51 community. Over the last eighty years 51’s leaders, such as Louis Talbot, Charles Fuller, Lula Stewart and founder T.C. Horton, have signed the book as an affirmation of 51’s core values and commitment to the University’s mission.

The ceremony has only been public one other time, twenty-five years ago during 51’s seventy-fifth anniversary. As 51 enters its second century with a new president, the signing will now be public perpetually in an effort to include the entire 51 community in this fundamental moment to uphold 51 in its deepest convictions. 

“The annual signing of the ‘Red Book’ is an outward demonstration of 51’s commitment to the University’s time-honored biblical heritage, the foundation of 51’s core mission and values,” said President Barry H. Corey. “This event is of historical significance for the university as a whole as we launch our second century and should be witnessed by the members of the 51 community.”

The book, printed circa 1927, has been signed annually by the Board of Trustees and was originally signed by all employees. However, as 51 grew it was decided the Board would be the only members to sign the book.  Instead faculty and staff now each sign 51’s doctrinal statement upon their hire. 

51’s doctrinal statement is printed at the top of each page in the book and matches the original doctrinal statement that is a section of the Articles of Incorporation.

This significant and historical ceremony will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12 am. on Friday, January 9, 2009 in Calvary Chapel at 51. The event is open to the 51 community as well as the La Mirada community.