Behind the Name: Forrest
When you first come on the campus of TFC, you will likely notice many of the historic building names. A building name you have probably heard mentioned is Forrest Hall. For such a common place on campus, most people have no idea where the name came from. The story of Forrest goes back to 1911: the beginning of TFC. In fact, the story of the man Forrest Hall is named after goes back to when TFC was just a thought. What did Richard Forrest do to get a building named after him? He founded the school.
Born in Delaware in 1881, Forrest grew up in a family under the religious influence of his Scotch Protestant grandmother. As he got older, Forrest began to become quite involved in his faith. With the help and encouragement of a Christian neighbor, Forrest realized at a fairly young age that he was called to do some kind of Christian ministry. Not long after starting at Wilmington College in Delaware, he realized he needed to transfer. He soon met his wife Evelyn. Forrest eventually married her and transferred to the Missionary Training School she attended, Nyack College. By the influence of both Evelyn and those at Nyack, he eventually became a part of the Christian Missionary Alliance. While visiting some other CMA colleges, Forrest realized how great of a need there was for more colleges like them. Forrest got to work on his new desire to start a college. Officially founded in 1907, Forrest created Green Valley Institute. The college then remained in Green Valley for 3 years, until Forrest decided to move.
Forrest’s friend, D.J. Fant, had a piece of land to recommend to Forrest, and Forrest loved it. Haddock Inn was a summer resort in the Georgia mountains. The property had a large waterfall, and seemed to be the perfect place for the college. A $10 down-payment was made on the $25,000 for the property. The 100-acre property that would become Toccoa Falls College was officially Forrest’s. That was short lived however, with a fire destroying Haddock Inn in 1913. Forrest was determined however, and the fire did not stop him. Despite the fact that they no longer had a building, the staff and students camped out in tents until the second campus was built. Even though Forrest passed away in 1958, the college continued to grow despite the challenges.
When the new campus was built, and buildings were being named, it seemed fitting to name one of the new buildings after the school's founder. Forrest was loved by many people and changed many lives. Not only did Forrest help many students, but TFC as a whole has had an impact on an even larger range of people. Even though things have changed drastically on campus, it is important that the schools foundation is remembered. Furthermore, it is fitting that the people who have done so much for the school are recognized. Richard A. Forrest was an amazing man, full of laughter, hope, faith, and most of all, the love of Jesus.