Bethany College - Bethanian Yearbook (Bethany, WV)

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Those of us who have been here three or more years, and to a shghtly more limited degree those of us who have sf ent only one or two years in Bethany, have had the pleasant experience of meeting on the corridor the man upon whose shoulders rested the major portion of the responsibility for the continued operation of this institution during these most trying times. His greeting was personal and warm and we left him with the impression that here at least was one to whom our successes were a source of pleasure and in whom our failures struck a sympathetic note. Genuine friendliness was the first characteristic of Dr. Goodnight ' s nature to impress itself upon a stranger and will be the last to be forgotten by the student body. None of us, I am certain, have anything but respect for this man, who engrossed as he was in many problems, would willingly and even eagerly lay them aside to discuss our plans and activities. His mind as well as his time was at the call of any of us who would carry our problems to him. Dr. Goodnight ' s hearty support of student activities, whether athletic, dramatic or otherwise, was a source of inspiration and encouragement to those who took part. Further enlargement upon this facet of his nature to you who have known him so well would be sheer ambiguity upon my part. Such friendships are exhilerating to experience but extremely difficult to describe or eulogize. Much has been said concerning Dr. Goodnight ' s ability as the leader of the college, vc also realize that his splendid work has been and will continue to be, for it is difficult to think of him in terms of the past, a definite contribution to the art of higher education. His work was of that peculiar type that is inspired by a )Outhful mind and tempered by the wisdom of experience. We as students conceive plans which we believe if allowed to materialize would revolutionize the entire sphere in which we think. Place that ability or gift of youthful enthusiasm in the mind of a person having years of training and trial with which to govern it and the unquestioning confidence of those in whose hands rests the execution of these plans and their ultimate success is assured. As a leader in the field of education, both here and elsewhere. Dr. Goodnight was a recognized authority. I do not believe however, that many of us could have defined his field of interest. It was through his progressive and inspirational chapel talks on national and international topics that most of us maintained contact with the world in general. Considering these things which constitute a very brief and incomplete summation of a student ' s characterization of President Goodnight would it not be appropriate to .ipply to him that time honored eulogy He ever bore without abuse the grand old name of Gentleman. CnoiK oi Bl riiANV Mimorial Church He Lcadcth Me, O Blessed Thought Br.NEDICTlON Mr. W ' tymon Parsons Ministerial Association Gracious God, in whom we live, move and have our being: We thank Thee for the privilege of honoring in this memorial service one whom we loved sincerely. May such service help to instill within each of us a memory of this noble servant of Thine. Grant that the things he did, the words he spoke and the influences which he set in motion may continue to inspire our living in such a manner that our lives may speak the most eloquent benediction of his life. Ill the name of Jesus. Amen. String Ensemble — L ' Argo Handel IS

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By training and choice of life work our president was a minister of the gospel. Hence, his vital interest in ministerial students. He was always concerned over the proportion of prospective ministers in the total enrollment. During my period of study here Dr. Goodnight began to teach courses in New Testament criticism. Many times since I have referred to my notes on the Synoptic Problem and the Pauline Epistles. The same systematic, logical thoroughness found in all of his work was carried into the class room. He patiently opened up the field of biblical criticism thus preparing us for intensive and comprehensive work later. He believed that men could learn how to preach by preaching. Appointments for student preaching were secured through his untiring efforts. Frequently he would stop a student on the campus to inquire as to the problem faced and the progress made. One was forced to marvel at his memory and depth of interest in personal problems. President Goodnight believed in a thoroughly trained ministry. His own training vas complete. He encouraged men to go to graduate school for more complete study. Our desires and hopes were stimulated by his own remarks and by addresses and con- ferences with leaders from theological schools. I recall a visit to our campus by Dean Brown of Yale in the spring of 1927. The dean spoke in chapel in the morning. Personal conferences were arranged for all men interested in graduate work. Our president converted his office into a conference room. A number of us settled the question that day as to where we were going to continue our preparation. Nor did Dr. Goodnight forget his boys when they entered graduate school. Letters preceded our registration. He visited the Divinity School once a year. The dean and members of the faculty welcomed him enthusiastically. He established a precedent through his visits not excelled by any other college president. His addresses to the entire student group were received heartily. One of the best meetings of the Campbell Club each year was that at which our president spoke. He knew the problems facing our men. He tackled the vital issues fearlessly. Questions were hurled at him. Discussion was free and frank. We were lifted from our place of isolation back into the heart of our brotherhood. We were introduced once more to the clearer under- standing of the message that the Disciples of Christ have to give to the cross-currents of religious thinking. If there was any wavering or doubting in our minds before, he pointed the way out. We can never forget those personal conferences arranged by Dr. John Clark Archer in Day Mission ' s library. Every moment of the president ' s time was taken up. He did not limit his interest to Bethany men only. All Disciple students found him to be a friend. He took names and addresses and those personal conferences were followed lip by an extensive correspondence. Those days of transition from school into the pastorate were his concern also. He did his best to place men in churches. The churches trusted his judgment. His honesty and frankness stimulated this confidence. But Dr. Goodnight ' s shepherding of his boys did not stop when positions were secured. Personal visits, preaching, letters, and conversation, all of these cemented the bond of friendship. When one would least expect it he would ask, What are you reading? A man ' s library was his chief concern. By precept and example he had demonstrated the value of worthwhile books. Who can ever estimate the value of his life? Like the Christ whom he knew and served, He gave his life for his sheep. He was a true under-shepherd. Representing the Student Body Mr. Ben Hamilton President, Student Board of Governors I have been granted the opportunity to express the feeling of loss experienced by the student body in the passing of our president. This chapel service has been dedicated to Dr. Cloyd Goodnight, friend, fellow student, and gentleman. We, of the student body will not, I believe, remember Dr. Goodnight as a scholar, nor in his capacity as the president of the college, but rather as a friend. The ability to make friendships is partly native and partly acquired, in this instance Dr. Good- night ' s native talent in this sphere was augmented by his genuine interest in those with whom he came in contact. Many men in capacities such as his, requiring so much of their time remain aloof from those who cannot by their position make a contribution to their work. 14

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Page 16 THE BETHANIAN OF 1933 Section One ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE Members of the Special Administrative Committee, left to right, V. S. Wilkin, J. P. McMullen, W. H. Cramblet, W. K. Woolery and A. E. Wright. By resolution of the Board of Trustees on last October 19 an Ad- ministrative Committee was desig- nated to operate the college, carry- ing the full duties and responsibil- ities of the administration until the election of a president. Hon. W. S. Wilkin of Wellsburg, W. Va., Mr. a. E. Wright of Uniontown, Pa., Dr. J. Parke McMullen of Wellsburg, W. Va., Dr. W. H. Cramblet, as college treasurer, and Dr. W. K. Woolery, as dean of the faculty, make up the Commit- tee. Forrest H. Kirkpatrick is the executive secretary. The Committee took up its work at once and in an aggressive way it has rendered fine service in these past months. In its general over- sight of the college and in the es- tablishment of its program the Committee has been guided largely by the ideals and plans of the late president. Under the direction of the Aca- demic Council the Committee made a careful survey of the academic work of the college and the general faculty organization. A few changes have been made looking toward a stronger organization, and some general economies. From the very start of this task the Committee committed itself again to the main- tenance of the same high academic standards that were so much a part of the leadership of President Goodnight. The faculty has pressed forward its various projects, such as the introduction of the comprehensive examination, the study of survey courses, and a new plan for the awarding of honors. Financial problems have faced the Administrative Committee throughout the year because of the serious impairment of the college income from endowment. In meet- ing these problems the committee has had to call upon the faculty for a complete readjustment in salaries and upon various friends of the college for financial help in the emergency. Friends of the college have contributed over $15,000 to date, and it is expected that addi- tional cash funds will be available before the close of the college year. At a recent meeting of the Admin- istrative Committee it was report- ed that the college would finish the college year in a better financial condition than it was at the close of the last year. The old Fowler property on Main Street was purchased early in the fall and later the old house was razed and the grounds cleared so as to make it a part of the campus. Some improvements were made this spring on the college golf course in connection with the Bethany Golf Association. Because of the limited water sup- ply last fall the Administrative Committee has been working with the Bethany Improvement Associa- tion looking toward the erection of a modern filtration plant. The vil- lage of Bethany has just completed the work of relocating the main sewer line and plans are now going forward for the construction of the plant. The Committee has been instrumental in getting the Bethany Improvement Association reorganized so as to operate on a sound business basis. In addition to the larger prob- lems that have compelled the at- tention of the Administrative Com- mittee there have been the many and insistent problems that are a part of the college, public represen- tation, investments and investment counsel, promotion, and new de- velopments have all had their place in the agenda of the Committee. Careful records and reports have been compiled of accomphshments and problems and it is planned to make all of these available for the new president when he comes to take charge. 16