Music performed by the Foundation Brass Quintet and pianist Mrs. Joan Pinkston greeted the people who packed into the building. Rainy weather prevented the ceremony from being held on the plaza, which was decorated with flowers and features a wall listing people who donated money to the project.
The half-hour service was a tribute to Dr. Dwight Gustafson, dean emeritus of the School of Fine Arts, to the fine arts faculty, to the construction and decorating crews and to the donors who made the building possible.
Dr. Bob Jones III began the service by reminding the audience of Dr. Bob Jones Sr.'s belief that "a strong cultural emphasis and the fine arts were an essential part of being educated.
"There has been assembled here an outstanding faculty in fine arts, which, for the last 43 years, has been under the direction of Dr. Dwight Gustafson," Dr. Jones said. "Today, our presence says that the Lord has done great things for us for which we are glad."
These "great things" required effort on the parts of many people who were noted at the ceremony.
Dr. Darren Lawson, Dr. Gustafson's successor as the dean of the School of Fine Arts, recognized the department heads in the Division of Fine Arts.
"Throughout this process, I learned much from (the department heads) about what servants they are," Dr. Lawson said. "They were here when the trucks were unloading. When we were filling this building with furniture, they were here in their jeans and T-shirts helping facilities management folks."
Then Mr. Mark Kopp, director of Facilities Management, thanked the architects and construction workers, and workers in Facilities Management, Grounds, Interior Design and Information Technologies.
Finally, Dr. Jones gave credit to the financial donors and then recognized the Gustafson family, of which approximately 15 members were present.
After the recognitions, attendees of the dedication got the first look at the newest addition to the Fine Arts Center's decor, a full-length, lifelike portrait of Dr. Gustafson done by Mr. Emery Bopp, chairman emeritus of the art department.
Then the audience was in for another surprise: a presentation made by Congressman Terry Haskins, a BJU graduate and personal friend of Dr. Gustafson. Declaring Dr. Gustafson a true Palmetto gentleman, Congressman Haskins presented him with the Order of the Palmetto--the highest award that a citizen of South Carolina can receive.
"Songleaders are to be seen and not heard," Dr. Gustafson quipped, but immediately following that statement he broke the rule and went on to share some of his favorite Bible verses and to recognize that "the building is really a tribute to the more than 100 faculty members in Fine Arts."
Finally, Dr. Jones spoke about Dr. Gustafson's great talent, his heart for God, his regard for people and his love for sinners. He invited Mrs. Gustafson to stand at the front with her husband, just as she has stood by him in his ministry, through all his activities, including the many hours of rehearsal that he could have spent at home.
Prior to the dedication prayer by Dr. Bob Wood, Mrs. Pam Dunbar sang "Strong in Salvation," a song written by Dr. Bob Jones Jr. that Dr. Gustafson set to music.
An open house of the building followed the program.