The dedication of Ballard Building took place Thursday, February 14th. The services were attended by a large number of the patrons and friends of the school, among the latter some of the leading white citizens of Macon. After the opening exercises, short addresses were made by Prof. Zettler, Superintendent of Bibb Co. schools, Dr. Greene, a leading colored physician, and the following city pastors; Dr. Warren, First Baptist; Dr. Jennings, First Presbyterian, and Mr. Miller, Washington Avenue Presbyterian, (Colored). These were followed by Corresponding Secretary Dr. Beard, of New York.
The music was appropriate and beautiful, and made a deep impression upon some of our white friends, who were both pleased and surprised. Prof. Zettler gave expression to his interest in all educational matters in this county, and renewed his assurances of good will and gratitude if he can do even a little to help on a good cause.
Dr. Warren said that he had known this school and church through all its past history, having been present at the dedication of the old church twenty years ago. He has watched the growth, and considered the character of the influence here exerted, and so far as he can judge, it has been, and is, elevating. He spoke of the value of a practical education, and he said he could trust these Yankees with their skill and energy to make the training they are giving in this school eminently practical. He expressed gratitude for the privilege he has had of knowing and loving a number of teachers and pastors engaged in labor here, and he invoked the divine blessing upon all these consecrated women who have left their homes and friends to do this work among the poor and needy.
Dr. Jennings spoke to the young people of the need of a high aim and firm purpose in accomplishing any important work in life. His words were full of inspiration to the young men and women who heard him. He stood upon the broad platform of Christian brotherhood, and while he congratulated the American Missionary Association upon the grand work being done, he especially congratulated the citizens of Macon, all of whom are reaping the benefits of this work.
Dr. Greene's message was one of counsel and instruction for his own people. He dwelt upon the generosity of the donor of this beautiful building with its furnishings, the improved facilities afforded for teaching, and the great need of a higher appreciation of the benefits thus brought within the reach of a larger number than ever before. He deprecated the common attempt to solve the Negro problem by stirring up discontent among the people, and making them dissatisfied with present conditions, unless a remedy is recommended and placed within their reach. He looked upon every Christian school in the South, every man or woman who walks uprightly and deals honestly, as helping to the only true solution of the Negro problem. He rejoiced in the raising of the standard of fitness to teach, on the part of the County Superintendent. His words had the ring of successful, manly effort in them, and commanded the respectful attention of all his hearers.
After returning thanks to Mr. Ballard for his noble gift, which brought the assembly together, to Messrs. Pettit and DeHaven for the fidelity with which they have wrought, to Prof. Zettler for his counsel, and to the Christian friends who have helped and encouraged the work by their sympathy, Dr. Beard gave an address full of information, concerning the work of the American Missionary Association, its aims, encouragements, and results. He emphasized the importance of making a right use of blessings, and spoke of the danger that attends all effort to help others, that it may become a hindrance instead of a help, according to the way in which it is received. He left a well-defined impression that it is the aim of the organization which he represents so to supplement the efforts of those who are trying to help themselves, that true independent manhood and womanhood shall be developed. He then introduced the subject of a change of name for Lewis Normal Institute. He stated that it was with the hearty concurrence of Gen. Lewis that he now announced that this school should be henceforth known as BALLARD NORMAL SCHOOL.
When Dr. Beard closed, Mr. Furcron, President of the Macon Sunday School Union, (Colored,) rose and made a motion in behalf of the colored people of Macon, that a rising vote of thanks be tendered to Mr. Ballard for this beautiful building and its convenient and tasteful furnishings. Dr. Warren made a special request that the franchise be extended so as to include the white friends present, that all might vote. It was responded to by the whole assembly's rising. After the benediction, the various rooms were visited and admired. The beauty and convenience of the rooms, the fine pictures on the walls, the beautiful desks and chairs for the teachers, the elegant Steinway piano, the bell, and the handsome stoves, were all noted and heartily commended.
The day passed off pleasantly with but one regret, viz; that Mr. Ballard was not with us to share in our joy and to let us all see his happiness in doing good to others.