Toccoa Falls Flood: A Time to Remember
November 6th, 1977. A day that went down in history, both nationally and locally for Toccoa Falls College. All was quiet on TFC’s campus when a dam at the top of the falls holding back 176 million gallons of dirty water broke and the wave overtook campus. Multitudes of students and families rested as the water started its race towards them. Within seconds, puddles turned to feet of water until it’s wall was tall enough to begin filling the second floor of Forrest Hall. A tragedy that left many dead and more injured. An event that still touches the lives of many and effects all people on the campus of Toccoa Falls College.
Today marks forty years since this catastrophe and the impacts of the flood continue to be felt. A slew of maintenance issues are still being repaired and heartbreak is still prevalent. The flood took many things that can never be replaced.
How do we move on? Furthermore, should we move on? It can be hard to cope with calamities, even when not directly involved. One thing we must not lose sight of is this: God is faithful. No matter the circumstances, He always proves Himself faithful.
A lot of things could have happened after the flood took its toll. The students and families could have left, and the college could have shut down completely; but, it did not. Instead, the community joined together to lend helping hands as TFC suffered through the pain of loss.
Every day that Toccoa Falls College continues to offer a godly education is a testament to the Lord’s faithfulness. He has been close to this school. He has not only sustained it; He has made it thrive.
Here are a few ways TFC has experienced the goodness of God since the flood: Not only is Forrest Hall still in use, but there are multitudes of buildings and programs that have been established. God has blessed TFC with Grace Chapel, a building where the student body gathers bi-weekly to worship. The nursing program is open and in its first year of practice. TFC now offers online programs, our student body is rapidly growing, and this year the women’s volleyball team is headed to the national tournament. Valley Farm, a sustainable community development farm and garden on campus, is greatly prospering.
This semester a memorial service was held in Grace Chapel & Performing Arts Center during Homecoming Weekend on Nov. 6 at 10 a.m. as well as a Remembrance Service on Saturday, October 7th in Gate Cottage. Also, Valley Farm has recently planted 39 apple trees in honor of the 39 students and faculty/staff who passed away in the flood.
God’s hand has not moved from our campus. Take a walk around campus, and you will see God’s faithfulness and glory on display. The places that were once covered in water are filled with life. Destruction that was once displayed all over campus has turned into construction and prosperity.
Every year that passes is another year of God’s power, which cannot be realize without the remembrance of the tragedy that changed our campus forty years ago. Although it is heartbreaking to think of the lives that were lost and the people that were hurt, it is necessary to remember to see the joy in God’s faithfulness.
An event that could have ended the college pushed it to a greater future. Although marked by the tragedy of the flood, Toccoa Falls College is still providing a Godly education to students and is spreading the Gospel all over the world. TFC’s impact may have no boundaries. Such beauty and impact after such destruction can only come from one thing, and that is the faithfulness of our Maker and Sustainer.
For more information check out this article published the day after the flood: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/toccoa-falls-dam-killing-30-1977-article-1.2855411