Tribute to Professor Theodore Dehon Ruddock (born July 25, 1819, Charleston, South Carolina, died 1918. Trinity Methodist Church organist until 1916)

The following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted by the city board of public school commissioners: at their monthly meeting, held on Wednesday last:
     The resignation of Prof. Ruddock, as musical director of the schools, has broken a link which bound their present to their past, and has caused a vacancy of no ordinary character. It is therefore the desire of the board to put on record their appreciation of his long and valued service and their regret because of his enforced retirement.
     Mr. Ruddock's connection with the schools dates back as far as 1875, and from that time to the present a period of twenty six years--he has discharged his duties most acceptable. To rare intelligence he adds great fidelity, and to professional skill great enthusiasm. To a large fund of musical knowledge, he adds the happy faculty of imparting it, and for all who have sat under his teaching he has laid foundations deep and strong. In almost every choir, glee club or musical association in this city are to be found some whom Mr. Ruddock taught, and many look up to him today as the inspiration of all their achievement.
     In early manhood Mr. Ruddock went to Boston and by a course of systematic training prepared himself for the duties of a teacher. The results of that training are to be seen in his methods. Conscientous, patient and painstaking, he prepared himself for each day's work and taught what he had prepared with a sense of responsibility. With an ear attuned to musical harmony he detected all discord and suffered no false note to escape him. He taught as one who had "music in his soul," and his effort was to put music in the souls of others.