Dedicate Splendid Structure

A representative crowd gathered at the Cliffside school building Saturday night to witness the program of the formal opening of the Haynes Memorial Building. Prominent visitors were present from all parts of the state, all of whom came to take part and lend their presence on the occasion wherein tribute was to be paid to the memory of the late R. R. Haynes, the founder of Cliffside, and in whose memory the splendid community building was dedicated.

Gathered upon the stage was the Haynes band and the speakers of the evening. Beautiful floral decorations were in profusion and the distinguished guests presented an imposing picture as they looked out on the splendid audience. And most noticeable of all was the very presence of homage and devotion depicted upon every countenance — all of whom had come to pay their respects to the memory of one of the grandest men ever to have lived in the county.

Following a band selection, the Rev. W. K. Collins opened the meeting with a beautiful prayer.

Mr. B. E. Roach, the presiding officer, then presented the speakers in a most happy and felicitous manner. Mr. Charles H. Haynes presented the building to the town of which his father was the founder, and in the carrying-out the expressed ideals of the man who had wrought so well for the uplift and welfare of his beloved Cliffside. Appreciation was shown on every face and the loving care and devotion of the late R. R. Haynes will go down deep into the hearts of his people and his memory will ever be cherished by the residents of the town of which he took such tender care in his life time and whose ideals are being perpetuated by his noble son according to his expressed wishes and ideals.

Response of the magnificent gift was made by Mr. M. Hendrick and Mr. P. C. Hawkins. These gentlemen have long been at Cliffside and know full well the noble character and loving kindness of Mr. Haynes. In a few well chosen words they told something of their appreciation.

Short talks were made by the Rev. D. J. Hunt and Rev. A. C. Swofford, both former pastors at Cliffside. Then followed talks by Judge J. L. Webb, Dr. T. B. Lovelace and Mr. R. L. Ryburn.

Prof. Clyde A. Erwin then introduced the principal speaker of the evening, the Hon. Clyde R. Hoey. Mr. Hoey is an orator of the finest ability, and being a friend and admirer of Mr. Haynes, arose to his very best efforts in telling of some of the many excellent qualities of the man in whose memory the building is dedicated. The vast audience sat almost spellbound while listening the address. Elsewhere in this issue will be found Mr. Hoey’s speech.

After music and the closing prayer by the Rev. J. C. Keever, the crowd repaired to the memorial building for an inspection. The building presented a beautiful sight and caused exclamations of delight and astonishment from all of those who were getting their first view of this magnificent structure.

Reprinted with permission from The Daily Courier. Copyright owned by The Daily Courier.