Conversation 683-010

TapeTape 683StartMonday, March 13, 1972 at 2:50 PMEndMonday, March 13, 1972 at 2:54 PMTape start time04:37:12Tape end time04:42:28ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President); Butterfield, Alexander P.Recording deviceOval Office

AI Summary

President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield discussed the selection of an officiant for an upcoming White House church service. The conversation focused on the potential inclusion of Fred B. Rhodes, Jr., president of the Southern Baptist Convention, with input from staff members including Harry S. Dent and Charles W. Colson. The meeting underscored the administration's strategic use of these religious ceremonies as diplomatic gestures.

White House church servicesFred B. Rhodes, Jr.Southern Baptist ConventionAlexander P. ButterfieldPublic relations

Audio

NARA Description

On March 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House from 2:50 pm to 2:54 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 683-010 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid

Conversation No. 683-10

Date: March 13, 1972
Time: 2:50 pm - 2:54 pm
Location: Oval Office

                                        (rev. Aug-01)

The President met with Alexander P. Butterfield.

     Possible efficient at next White House church service
          -Fred B. Rhodes, Jr.
                -Southern Baptist Convention
          -Harry S. Dent
          -Charles W. Colson
          -Rose Mary Woods
          -Richard G. Kleindienst

[No conversation]

     Letter
           -Unknown man [George H. Mahon?]
           -The President’s reading

Butterfield left at 2:54 pm.

Transcript (AI-Generated)

This transcript was generated automatically by AI and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite this transcript as authoritative. Consult the Finding Aid above for verified information.

Very, very good, sir.

We thank the Queen of Heaven, Fred Rhodes, officiator of this worship service.

You know, Fred Rhodes is the president of the Southern Baptist Convention.

We've started to have him several times at Dan's strong request.

And now, Dan and Colson both are here at the time of their votes.

Well, it's just a gesture.

Now I've got to scroll it.

That's what it means.

So,

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