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.