1947 The cost of our current sanctuary building, started in 1947, was approximately $385,000. Services were first held in the sanctuary in November 1948. Some services had been held in the “recreation room” prior to this date, but getting the pews delayed the opening of the sanctuary. Many of the furnishings of the church and Sunday School rooms were donated by different families of the church.
1948 On February 20, the old church property at the northeast corner of North Highland Avenue and Lanier Place was sold for approximately $29,000 in cash, with the right to retain certain personal property or furnishings, including 14 pianos.
1952 The Gaston building, which provided both classrooms and a place for our Scouts, was built and dedicated to Britt Gaston, a member who “never faltered in his conviction that God would find a way for us to complete and pay for the church.” Later the building was razed to build our Family Life Center (gym).
1955 We built the Youth Activities building, dedicated to Harvey C. Holland, who had recently completed his pastorate at Haygood. This building has served our youth, our Scouts, and Weekday Children’s Ministries. If you know it as the Hut...it was a Scout Hut.
“As we come to the close of our Fiftieth Year and look back on the blessings that Haygood has brought to all of our families, we renew our pledge that we will support our beloved Haygood Church with our time, our talents, our gifts and our service. We pledge that all of these shall be manifest in our service to the Morningside Community and to our city and the world, to the honor and glory of our Savior.”
1961 Our entire debt was liquidated, and our property was dedicated by Bishop John Owen Smith. Many members confidently expected that with the building debt behind us, the enthusiasm which had sustained the membership would wane. But Walter Lipps, our Official Board Chairman, was determined that this was not to happen.
Walter said to the Official Board: For years, we have had to direct a large portion of our money to the liquidation of our debt. We have had to spend our money on ourselves. Now it is paid. The time has come for us to do something for others. We should put this money we have been applying on a debt to missions. His dedicated leadership, backed by the appeals of Mrs. Birdie Moore, caught fire and instead of reducing our budget we increased it for missions.
Howard Wise served Haygood for 42 years as custodian. A kind, caring man, he was a mentor to many of our youth and a friend to all.