Fond memories and aspirations of the future, along with recognition of many generous contributors’ gifts were just a part of the dedication services held Thursday at Howard Payne University. The completion of the three year renovation project of the Mims Auditorium, The Grace Chapel, The Paul and Jane Meyer Faith and Life Leadership Center, and Richard and Wanda Jackson Conference Room of Howard Payne University were celebrated with Alumni, three HPU Presidents, dignitaries, current students, faculty, staff, students and others who have a connection to Howard Payne.
These dedications were held in conjunction with HPU’s Celebration Week, which was focused on the theme of “Heritage, Purpose, Unity.”
For the dedication ceremony, the new organ purchased for use in the Grace Chapel was situated on the stage. Currently in the process of being completely refurbished, the organ that will be in Mims Auditorium was originally installed in the El Paso Symphony Hall approximately 30 years ago. It was secured for HPU in 2003 by Dr. and Mrs. Burton Patterson of Southlake, Texas who also purchased the new organ for the Grace Chapel.
Dr. Cynthia Clawson Courtney, renowned Christian artist and 1970 Graduate of Howard Payne, performed with accompaniment of her sister, Patti Clawson Berry. Courtney recalled her time at HPU stating, “I always felt a little weird, but not here…Everyone was so loving…it was clear that God was here searching for us.” She spoke of her education and experiences with faculty such as Dr. and Mrs. Wooten, Drs. George and Sara Baker, and of singing with the Heritage Singers. Dr. Sara Baker, Dr. Courtney and Heritage Singers of the 70s later performed during the dedication.
Greetings were extended from the HPU Board of Trustees Chairman, Brad Helbert; HPU Student Government President; Mayor Bert V. Massey II of Brownwood; Brown County Judge, Ray West; Texas State Representative, Jim Keffer and from Hillary Stegemoller, representative of U. S. Congressman Mike Conaway.
Massey stated that he had grown up being acquainted to Mrs. Muse, through a friend of his mother. He stated, “She would have been extremely proud of the way her money has been spent. This is a wonderful building, a great place; it is an honor to be here.”
State Representative Jim Keffer spoke of Austin as “15 square miles surrounded by reality…” and continued by saying, “This is reality…Brownwood and Brown County have always appreciated the gems in their crowns, so this does not surprise me…It is truly a pleasure to be a part of this dedication”. The renovations of these buildings were commemorated on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives. Keffer then read the proclamation to the audience.
The following histories of the projects were read aloud by Dr. Bill Ellis:
Mims Auditorium is the oldest structure on the main campus and serves as a home to HPU chapel services, concerts and other performances. The auditorium was first dedicated in 1922 and was known as the Fine Arts Building until 1938. Originally, the building was designed as a chapel-auditorium and was the home to the president’s office, business office and studios of the fine arts department. Throughout its existence, the building has provided a setting for chapel services, fine art performances, recitals, concerts and theatrical productions.
After undergoing the three-year renovation process, the auditorium has now been returned to its original grandeur. The building’s seating capacity is now increased from approximately 750 to more than 1,000. The original stage has been restored and a state-of-the-art sound system has also been designed to preserve and enhance the auditorium’s qualities.
Renovations for Mims Auditorium were made possible through the generous gift of $3 million made by Mrs. McGillivray (Leona) Muse, who left her estate to the university upon her death in 2006. The largest gift in the university’s history provided for a complete renovation of the building. Muse was a former student of Howard Payne College (1927-1928) and a graduate of Brownwood High School.
The Faith and Life Leadership Center facility was named in recognition of the lead gift from the Paul and Jane Meyer Family Foundation of Waco. The late Paul J. Meyer was a trailblazer in the self-improvement industry, founding the multi-billion-dollar company Success Motivation Institute, Inc. in 1960. Meyer authored numerous books on Christian leadership and self-improvement strategies.
The renovated Grace Chapel, named for HPU benefactor Dr. E. Grace Pilot of Mobile, Alabama, will serve as a laboratory for student preachers as well as a location for campus worship and other events. Dr. Pilot received the highest honor the university can bestow from Howard Payne University, the Honorary Doctorate of Humanities in 1994.
The Richard and Wanda Jackson Conference room was made possible through a donation from The Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation of Houston. In grateful recognition of the Foundation’s generosity, the facility’s new multi-purpose conference room is named in honor of Dr. Richard Jackson, a 1960 graduate of HPU, and his wife, Wanda.
Walter C. “Dub” and Debra Wilson of Houston provided funding for the beautiful two-story entrance hall to the Richard and Wanda Jackson Conference Room. The area features a sculpture donated by the Wilson siblings and spouses. The work, entitled “The Lord Himself Will Provide,” depicts Abraham, Isaac and the angel.
Both projects were part of the Sharing the Vision Capital Campaign which was completed in April, 2008. The most successful campaign in the university’s history began in 2000 as a ten-year initiative under the leadership of then-HPU president Dr. Rick Gregory and completed under Dr. Lanny Hall’s administration. The campaign goal was exceeded by $800,000 and the effort was completed three years ahead of schedule.
After the dedication ceremonies were concluded, a reception followed in Old Main Park.
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