The current issue features the Society's commemoration of the 150th anniversary of emancipation in an enlarged issue which itself is entitled "free indeed!"  It includes a lengthy examination of the trials and triumphs of Virginia's enslaved and freedmen especially as relates to the Virginia Baptist story.  The extensive "free indeed!" article was written by Michael Whitt, special projects assistant at the Historical Society.  He did extensive work in examining over 200 antebellum church record books in the Society's archives while compiling the massive name registry of some 50,000 names of slaves, freedmen and white surnames.  It was from his examination of the old records that the book, "free indeed!", which also is the 50th issue of the Register, emerged.  The issue also includes several period accounts of slave days.  Also there is an article celebrating the 50th issue itself and looking across the last half-century of the Register's contribution to the study of Baptist history and heritage.  Copies of the 50th issue, the 2011 issue, "free indeed!", are sent to annual members of the VBHS.  Others may order a copy for $15.75 plus $5 for shipping and handling.  Send checks to VBHS, Box 34, University of Richmond, VA 23173. In 2010 the Virginia Baptist Register featured the biography of George Braxton Taylor (1860-1942) who was a prominent minister and the founder of the Sunbeams, the organization to teach children about missions.  His life was full of the glad and the sad and hence the title of the lengthy biographical treatment, "Sunbeams & Shadows."  Fred Anderson, executive director of the Virginia Baptist Historical Society, read some 12,500 pages of Taylor's diary which stretches over many years as well as other source materials to write this first definitive biography of Taylor. Copies of the 49th issue, the 2010 issue, "Sunbeams & Shadows," can be ordered for $10.50 plus $3 for shipping and handling.  To submit articles for possible inclusion in future issues, send copy to: Editor, VBR Virginia Baptist Historical Society P.O. Box 34 University of Richmond, Va. 23173 The Society cannot supply a full run of the 50  issues. It can supply a full run of all but four issues and the four can be supplied as photocopies which can be kept separately from the full set. A full run as described can be supplied while issues last for $295 (regular price $524). In addition, a set of indexes can be purchased for $30. Individual issues of the indexes can be ordered for $12.00 each. Copies of the current Register are $15.75 plus $5 for shipping and handling and all other back issues are available for $10 each plus $3 for shipping and handling except the 1989 and 2000 issues which are $17.00 each. Members receive the current Register with their annual membership. To order the Register send your order and check made payable to the Virginia Baptist Historical Society to: Elsie Richards VBR Subscriptions & Orders Dept. VBHS P.O. Box 34 University of Richmond, Va. 23173