The H-SU Brand (Abilene, Tex.), Vol. 24, No. 24, Ed. 1, Saturday, March 30, 1940 Page: 1 of 8
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'Ptexy' SaHotye
Memorial CdUtixm
Memorial BdlttOH
Vol. XXIV Z714
HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSITY ADILENE TEXAS MARCH 30 1940
No. 21
THOUSANDS WITNESS RITES OF 'PREXY' SANDEFER
:
Moulded under tho stern realities
of early life on tho farm among quiet
streams and wooded hills there
emerged one of the most effective
and genuinely sincere leaders of men
and moulders of youth our dearly
beloved president Dr. J. D. Sandefcr.
The world grows richer now with
lovely sound
Of tender song and chords of
sweet allure
With precious gifts that God
alone bestows
Gifts that might indeed have lain
obscure.
Then should wc doubt the wisdom
of our God
Who ever docs unfold His perfect
plan?
He strews His gifts divine on
modest brows
And then in all good time He
sends a man.
Dr. Sandefer was truly a God-sent
man for "his heart was ever kind he
called to those whose needs he knew
for understanding was his mind."
A king once quoted these lines:
"I said to a man who stood at the
gate of the years 'Give me a light
that I may tread safely into the un-
known' and he replied 'Go out into
the darkness and put your hand into
the hand of God. That shall be to you
better than a light and safer than
a known way.' "
Surely this would be his parting
advice to us for he was a man of
whom it could be said "He walked
with God."
His life has been as a flowering
plain whose fragrance and beauty is
unexcelled. His faith and courage
has been as a mighty rock that stands
the test of time. His simplicity and
gentle dignity set him apart as a
man among men.
To us in whom he was so inter-
ested for whom ho gave his all he
would surely leave this message:
By night and day I weavq for thee
A golden gleaming net of prayer
Its shining mesh thou mayest not
see
But it surrounds thee everywhere.
God bless thy peaceful sleep by
night
God bless thy busy stops by day.
Keep faith within thy heart
alight
In clouds or sunshine this I
pray.
And to him wc say in tribute:
Although with bowed and break-
ing heart
With sable garb and silent tread
We bear this senseless dust to
rest
And say that he is dead?
He is not dead! He has but
passed
Beyond the mists that bind him
here
Into the new and larger life
Of the sercner sphere.
He has but dropped his robe of
clay
To put his shining raiment on;
He has not wandered far away
He is not lost nor gone.
Though disenthralled and glori-
fied He still is hero and loves us yet
The dear ones he has left behind
He never can forget.
o
Cowgirl Band
Banquel
it Tonight
Plans for the annual Cowgirl Band
banquet are complete and tho big
event is to be staged in the ballroom
of the Wooten Hotel nt 7:45 p.m.
Saturday evening.
H. M. Preston is the director of
tho band and Doris Wayne O'Brien
president will act as master of cere-
monies. An interesting program has been
arranged. Among those' providing the
entertainment are Jewel Lindsey Les-
ter Morton Dean Edwin Young Dor-
othy Kelley and B. B. McKinney.
All former members are cordially
invited to be present.
New Journalism
BBfifcaVfl
Q480Z.Y MiJfitdOCtl t
Elected in New Orleans recently by the Southwestern Journalism
Congress to head the 19 il annual convention to be held at H-SU were
Robert Murdoch H-SU Brand editor to serve as president of the student
section and Herschel Schooley Journalism professor to preside over
the -general convention. Thirteen schools of Tcxn.s Oklahoma and
Louisiana belong to the Congress.
Hardin-Simmons to
Host Journalism
Convention in '41
Bob Murdoch Brand editor will
preside over the fourteenth nnnunl
convention "of tho Southwestern Jour-
nnlism Congress when H-SU plays
host to the group next spring.
Murdoch a junior was elected pres-
ident of the Congress nt its meeting
at Tulane University on March 1C.
H-SU was chosen as the 1941 conven-
tion spot nt the meeting the previous
year but further entertainment plans
were made at the New Orleans ses-
sion. Stanley Wnlker author of "Mrs.
Astor'g Horse" and other books nnd
ono of the country's foremost news-
paper men will be the mn in speaker.
Mrs. Walker who was on the H-SU
campus last week said tho next book
by her husband is to be "Mrs. Astor
Rides Again" on which he is working
now.
Dr. F. L. Martin dean of tho school
of journalism nt the University of
Missouri will be another guest spenk
cr. Other attractions will be n bar
becue and party nt n West Texas
ranch home.
Member schools of the journalism
convention include Baylor H-SU L.
S. U. Mary Hardin-Baylor Oklahoma
A. & M S. M. U. Texas A. & M.
T. C. U. Texas Tech Texas State
College for Women Tulnne Univer-
sity of Oklahoma and University of
Texas.
Career of Dr. Sandefer Linked
With Hardin-Simmons' Expansion
By Zona Horn
Thirty years ago last July Jeffer-
son Davis Sandefer learned ho wus
wanted to servo as president of Sim-
mons College.
Professor Sandefer wns then presi-
dent of John Tarlcton College at Ste-
phenville. Efforts to get him to come
to Simmons in Abilene made little im-
pression upon him. But ho felt ho
"As president of Hardin-Simmons
University it has been my en-
deavor to try to lead in building
in the great Southwest a liberal
arts school of learning adequately
endowed and generously housed
with a scholarly faculty whoso at-
titude toward tho fundamentals of
the Christian religion are unques-
tioned to the end that the finished
product of this institution be a
man or woman of strongest pos-
sible body keenest Intellect and
soul trained in spiritual values
commensurate with tho physical
and intellectual."
President J. D. Sandefcr.
could at least visit the college sinco
tho trustees had bKowii an interest in
him.
Sandefer was met in Abilene by n
Congress Officials
HewcHel. CflaoKEy
Ex-President Hoover
Messages Sympathy
To Sandefer Family
Fiom Palo Alto Calif. former
President Heibert C. Hoover mes-
saged tho Sandefer family Tuesday
snying "Was greatly distressed today
to learn of tho passing of Dr. J. D.
Sandefcr. Have long appreciated his
devoted friendship and wnnt you to
know of the deep sympathy of Mrs.
Hoover nnd myself."
Dr. Sandefer nnd Mr. Hoover were
intimately associated during the 1928
presidential campnign.
Dr. T. Wilkinson Riddle English di-
vine who delivered the H-SU com-
mencement address five years ago
cabled "loving sympathy" from Ply-
mouth England during tho day too
ns the Uuniversity of San Francisco
forwarded the "sincere sympathy of
tho faculty students and athletic
staff."
From the stato Daughters of tho
American Revolution convention in
Denton Miss Marion D. Mullins state
regent messnged Mrs. Sandefer first
vice-regent "our lovo and thoughts
are with you."
At Sunday's services tho univer
sity's chapel bell silent and un-
touched for many years was tolled
31 times once for each year of Dr.
Sandcfcr's administration. Through
out those services too Mrs. George
W. Fry longtime family friend whose
late husband utilities executive was
a close personal friend of President
Sandefer played the chimes nt the
First Presbyterian Church.
committee representing tho Simmons
board of trustees. Thoso men showed
him about the city and tho college.
Then ho was taken to the homo of
tho lata George L. Paxton Sr. for a
chicken supper. "Proxy" ndmittcd
later that ho was not in tho least im
pressed with the Simmons plant of
that day nor by tho general condition
of tho school. After tho meal tho
trustees sat in a semi-circle. Ho was
placed In a rocking chair in tho center
"where all could get a good look nt
him."
The Simmons board nt that time
was composed of K. K. Legctt Clabo
W. Merchant J. H. Pnrramorc Dr.
J. H. Burkett Dr. L. R. Scarborough
Dr. C. C. Coleman Dr. R. T. Hanks
B. W. McCarty Jesse Scott Eugene
Wood nnd George S. Anderson. All
nro now dead except Scarborough
Coleman Scott Wood nnd Anderson.
Tho only one of tho group still serv-
ing is Mr. Anderson. Dr. Hanks' old
er son .ucrnaru Hanks has been a
member of tho board a number of
years.
In Inter years Dr. Sandefer smll
ingly told the story of that gathering.
"In thia fine fellowship meeting in
tho Paxton home after tho members
(Continued on page six)
Class Editions to
Begin Next Week
Zona Horn Gallemore
Are Senior Staff Heads
Inaugurating tho annual Brand
class editions contest n competitive
affair between the thtco upper classes
will bo the senior edition next Sat-
urday. Each year tho three upper classes
select staffs made up of class mem-
bers to edit the Brand on consecutive
weeks.
Yesterday the senior clnss elected
Zona Horn as editor and W. C. Galle-
more business manager of the senior
edition.
Miss Horn is h four-year member
of the Brand staff and Gallcmoro was
feature writer last year.
Following tho Benior publication
will be tho junior issue on April 13.
Tho sophomores will submit their en-
try April 20.
Named this week to direct the
sophomore edition were Grace Dod-
son editor nnd Alex Pnrrlsh busi-
ness manager.
Miss Dodson is a journalism stu-
dent nnd feature writer for the regu-
lar Brand. Parrish has worked both
his freshman and sophomore years as
a member qf the Brand business staff
selling advertising.
Staffs for the junior class edition
has not been announced as yet.
Judging of the contest will be bas
ed on five points vital to newspaper
composition: news value and cover-
age; editorial content and value; fea
ture content nnd interest; headlines
make-up and general mechanics with-
in control of the editor.
Rress Club Elects
Murdoch President
Glenn Sears Are
Other Officers Named
Bob Murdoch editor of tho Brand
wns elected president of the campus
Press Club at its initial meeting last
week. Other officers elected were
Bcezer Glenn and Frnnces Sears vice-
president nnd secretary respectively.
Members present were Nancy Cox
Ralph Beard Karl Bonnenux Thomas
Williams Katherinc Caldwell Minnie
Faye McQunry Jack Gardner Johnnie
Tnrvcr Ralph Day Pete Tippen Lem
Paul Henslce June Frost Lovell
Hnynie Ermn Nee Wooten Maurice
Pardue Louiso Beaver Al Breaks
Frances Sears Glenn and Murdoch.
Plans are now being formulated for
the annual Press Club banquet.
Pay Tribute to
Dr. Sandefer in
Chapel Service
At an impressive chapel service the
first student convocation since Dr. J.
D. Snndefcr's death last Friday Hardin-Simmons
University's student
body Tuesday paid tribute to tho
memory of a departed leader educator
and friend whoso impress had been
graven on the school for more than
30 years.
Dr. R. N. Richardson H-SU execu-
tive vice-president presided as memo-
rial tributes were brought by Jack
Dean El Paso senior and president
of tho H-SU student body; Dean L.
Q. Campbell assistant dean nnd head
of tho English department as repre-
sentative of tho faculty; Tom K. Ep-
lcm Abilene attorney representing
tho thousands of alumni and ex-students
and C. M. Caldwell represent-
ing tho H-SU trustees.
Judge Caldwell spoke as "a friend
who has known nnd loved Proxy San-
defer for moro than 40 years."
Finis Williams a student opened
the servico with prayer. The girl's
quartette composed of Elizabeth
Duck Joan Hall Frances Cooper nnd
Christine Shannon sang "Abide With
Me" nnd later the men's quartette
comprising Lester Morton Connell
Tnylor Tom Todd and Fred Molken-
thin sang
Dr. Richardson read President San-
defer's favorite passage of Scripture
Proverbs 22:1 "A good name is rath-
er to be chosen than great riches and
loving favor than silver nnd gold"
nnd Dr. N. A. Mooro H-SU Bible de-
partment head closed tho servico with
prayer.
At tho same hour at the first
(Continued on page 2)
Body of Hardin-Simmons' Great President
Rests in Hallowed Triangle of Campus
BiilitiiBH
JEFFERSON DAVIS
Without One Written Contract
1000 Teachers Serve Loyally
Under Great Leader at H-S. U.
By LOUISE
As an educator the fame of Jef-
ferson Davis Sandefcr late president
of Hardin-Simmons University is
widespread. His work among mem-
bers of the faculty will long be cher-
ished by thoso with whom ho came
in contact as a college president.
Tho beloved "Prexy" veteran of
nearly 31 years of devoted servico to
tho West Texas university served ns
an inspiration to scores of men and
women dedicated to the educational
field. Perhaps his principles as a
president are better shown in a state
ment ho once made saying "It has
become current in educational par-
lance that institutions nro but tho
length and shadows of individual personalities."
From Arkansas Farm to University Head
Da . Sandefer's Career Reads Like Fiction
Jefferson Davis Sanderer had been
an educator half a century nearly 31
yenrs of which ho served as president
of Hardin-Simmons University nt
Abilene.
"My objective in 30 years as presi-
dent of Hardin-Simmons University"
said tho dean of senior college and
universities in Tcxns and tho south-
west upon completing three decades
as head of tho school "has been to
build nn institution for higher learn-
ing here in tho great southwest found-
ed on the Christian fundamentals."
Like many men of usefulness Dr
Sandefer son of n Confederate veter-
an was born and reared in humble
surroundings. Ho described his birth-
place as "Nubbin Ridge on Pecker-
wood Creek in Sharp County Arkan-
sas" whero he was born to Mr. nnd
Mrs. Samuel B. Sandefcr March 13
18G8.
In 1870 tho eight-year-old son of
tho ex-soldier nnd Baptist deacon
moved with his parents to a quarter
section farm bought on credit near
Whitt Texas close to tho lino of
Parker and Palo Pinto counties.
There the transplanted Arkansas
youth grubbed postoak roots split
SANDEFER LL. D.
BEAVER
Dr. Sandefer believed that it was
good policy to place Hardin-Simmons
graduates on tho faculty after they
had done additional work in leading
universities of the nation.
Orf the present faculty tho follow-
ing arc graduates of the institution:
Dr. R. N. Richardson executive vice-
president; Dr. R. A. Collins dean of
men; Professors II. R. Arrant W. D.
Bond J. E. Burnnm Dr. O. 0. Watts
Hoyt Ford E. M. Landers Otho M.
Polk W. A. Stephenson W. C. Rib-
ble Mrs. Richardson; Ethel L. Hat-
chett Euna Rudd Eva Rudd Suella
Lacy; Mrs. Nora Everton and Mrs.
Hyman Harrison.
Coach Frank Kimbrough Band Dl-
(Continucd on page seven)
rails and did other heavy farm
chores on clear days and in rainy
weather attended school in a log
schoolhouse built on the Sandefer
farm by tho father nnd neighbors.
Attending this school about four
months in each year ho completed
what would now bo called the fifth
grade.
From this littlo school tho young-
ster who was to devote a lifetime to
educational service went four miles
away at 18 to a school nt White
known as Parker Institute. Hero he
earned nn A. B. degree six years lat-
er. Prof. Amos Bennett ono of the
pioneer educators of tho west was
president of tho school.
After graduation from Parker In-
stitute young Sandefer taught in the
same log schoolroom on his father's
farm where he had started his school
life receiving a salary of $40 a
month.
Promotion camo soon and at 20 in
1894 ho was named president of
Strawn College.
In 1890 Dr Sandefcr married Miss
Lucille Gilbert of Nashvlllo Tcnn.
who had been expression and art
teacher in Parker Institute when he
was a senior Mrs Sandefer at pres
Beloved President
Loses Battle With
Illness On Good Friday
With the sinking sun of Good Fri-
day the tired body of Dr. J. D. Sande-
fcr ceased its suffering and his in-
defatigable spirit went home to the
God whom he had followed humbly
and served courageously for most of
his 72 years.
Out on the campus of Hardin-Simmons
University a Cowboy bandsman
tenderly blew "taps" wires and radio
flashed the news of the passing of
the dean of Texas educators messages
of condolence poured in from points
near and far and hundreds from
varying distances nicluding all the
Southwestern states began a sad pil-
grimage to pay last tribute to one
who had been more than a friend.
After the body had lain in state
in the university chapel attended by
an honor guard composed of repre-
sentatives of every student group
memorial services were held from 2:30
to 4:30 Sunday afternoon.
Dr. Millard A. Jenkens pastor of
the First Baptist Church presided at
tho servico in the chapel and at the
graveside.
Following tho reading by Dr. Jen-
kens of parts of the fifth chapter of
II Corinthians the fourth chapter of
I Thessalonians and a brief quotation
from Revelation tho Rev. C. A.
Powell pastor of the University Bap-
tist Church offered a prayer.
Besides Dr. Jenkens tributes were
spoken by Dr. E. B. Atwood profes-
sor of Bible in H-SU for many years
one of Dr. Sandefer's closest friends
who represented the faculty; T. N.
Carswell Dr. Sandefer's most inti-
mate friend who entered the college
in 1909 when he became president
who was for 14 years Prexy's private
secretary and who now is a university
trustee representing tho alumni and
ex-students; Dr. Rupert N. Richard-
son designated executive vice-president
of the university when Dr. San-
defer's illness forced him to be con-
fined to his home about two years
ago who was called one of Prexy's
favorites among H-SU graduates;
George S. Anderson vice-president of
the university trustees and tho only
trustee now serving who was on tho
board when Dr. Sandefer became
president; Dean C. S. Potts of the law
school of Southern Methodist Univer-
sity a close friend of Dr. Sandefer
CO years ns a schoolmate fellow
school teacher and educator.
Lola Gibson Dcaton head of the
voice department of H-SU sang When
They Ring Those Golden Bells for
You and Me; nnd the University Male
Quartet sang Abide With Me.
The service carried out requests
made by Dr. Sandefcr to his family
and close friends.
It was in compliance with such a
request that Dr. Jenkens told the
great congregation that anyone who
(Continued on page 3)
ent is state vice-regent of the Daugh-
ters of the American Revolution.
After six years at the head of the
Strawn College Dr. Sandefer went to
Granbury Texas as superintendent
of schools. In 1902 he wns named
professor of Latin and history nnd
vice-president of John Tarlcton Col-
lege nt Stephenville.
In 1907 he wns named superintend-
ent of schools at Stephenvillo and
was elected president of John Tarlc-
ton in 1908.
Continuing his education ho at-
tended the University of Texas sum-
mer session and tho University of
Chicago whero ho received his Ph. D.
degreo in 1907.
Then in tho summer of 1909 Dr.
Sandefer was elected to tho presi-
dency of the. then Simmons College
then in its eighteenth year.
He succeeded Dr. O. II. Cooper
former Texas superintendent of pub-
lic instruction and former president
of Baylor University Waco who re-
signed to start a school for boys.
This was "Proxy's" final chango In
allegiance and after leaving John
Torleton with regret he remained at
(Continued on page eight)
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The H-SU Brand (Abilene, Tex.), Vol. 24, No. 24, Ed. 1, Saturday, March 30, 1940, newspaper, March 30, 1940; Abilene, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth98096/m1/1/: accessed May 11, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Hardin-Simmons University Library.