Time is running out. We are losing many of  the recorded copies of our older oral debates which are probably stored in closets, attics, or dusty bookshelves.  Most of the older debates were recorded on reel-to-reel or cassette recorder.  Some people still use the cassette tapes, but the reel-to-reel recorder has not been in use for many years, even though it was standard equipment for most preachers thirty years ago. Some church historians are concerned that the recorded debates are in danger of being lost forever. Not only do the tapes break, but we are quickly losing equipment on which to play the tapes.

In the 1960s brother Donald R. Fox of Saltillo, Mississippi started collecting debates.  He purchased many from now defunct, out of business tape distributors. Along with the late W. N. "Bill" Jackson, brother Fox attended several debates in order to tape them. Over the years, they obtained many debates which were important, but obscure and were not highly publicized. One debate collected was the Rogers-Barr debate. The original copy of the debate was later destroyed in a fire. Due to the foresight of brother Fox, this debate has not only been preserved, but he has provided a replacement copy to the Roger's family.

Several years ago, Don, along with Robert Rawson, Michael Jordan, and others started transferring debates which were on tape to a digital format called MP3. The great thing about this format is that there is no deterioration due to time or usage. It is easy to use and easily converted from computer, to car, CD, or MP3 player. This collection now consists of more than 100 debates and more will be added as the transfers are made.  The debates are on eleven DVDs. The Audio-Visual Center at Freed-Hardeman University has been provided a set to insure the preservation of the recorded debates.

An effort is underway to locate and continue preserving these old debates that were recorded on tape.  These old tapes are quickly deteriorating and crumbling away. If you possess any debate on the older format, you are urged to convert it as soon as possible. The clock is tickling and time is running out. Contact us if we can help.

Our thanks to Donald for providing the substance of this article. For more information about his work, go to www.essaysbyfox.org.