Gate Cottage Remembered by Dr. Wayne Gardner

Dr. Wayne Gardner, President of Toccoa Falls College

I remember Gate Cottage as the gate to the falls. I enrolled as a student in 1966, and I believe some married students still had a residence in the top of the building. I also remember the box for donations inside the gate and the tree-lined walk that led to the falls.

In November 1977, this sturdy building withstood a deluge of water on the night the dam above the falls failed. Gate Cottage was positioned perfectly in the path of the flood. But while the windows gave way, the structure stood. It always amazed me how this could happen. I remember seeing the watermark on the chimney, which showed how high the water came inside the building.

My mind also goes to my final year when I was the security guard for campus, not a security guard, but “the security guard.” I remember walking around the building at night to make sure it was okay. I knew it stood as a testimony to God’s grace and provision. It was built in the late 1930s by the NYA (National Youth Administration), which came before the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps). It was built by federal programs but with no strings attached. In those days, it housed our Commercial Department. The fact is: it replaced the old clap-board Gate Cottage building that had burned. Oh, the history this building has seen over the years.

When I returned to Toccoa Falls College as Director for Alumni Affairs in 1983, the top floor of Gate Cottage was my office. I climbed those stairs and at times could open the back door and hear the falls. It was a wonderful office site, I was so blessed to again be on the campus watching after that building.

This morning I was in Auburn, Indiana, where I was scheduled to attend a meeting of ABHE College presidents when Alan Coker’s phone call woke me. It was 3:20 a.m. and he told me that Gate Cottage was on fire. In fact, it was totally engulfed in flames. My heart sank as memories flooded my mind. I immediately began making arrangements to return to Toccoa Falls.

Then later, while I was at the Indianapolis Airport waiting for a return flight to Georgia, I received an email from one of our students. It lifted my spirits and reminded me why I do what I do each day. It was such an encouragement because I realized that our students today still have a heart and soul for the foundation of Toccoa Falls College. The student wrote: “Dr. Gardner, you and the rest of the Toccoa Falls Staff are held up in continuous prayer! This is indeed a great loss for our campus! As much as we mourn the loss of this building, we also give great praise for the many years Gate Cottage served the students, faculty, and community! Although we stand amidst rubble, our Lord provides a firm foundation! There are some things that don’t burn! What we gained within the walls of classrooms will never fade. The spirit of our students, the foundation of faith that we are built upon, these things also remain! As in tragedies past the Lord hears our cry! The Tree God planted has stood through it all! Our roots are deep and we will not forget God’s hand of mercy!”

Isaiah 43:1-3 was the verse this student gave to me: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you, when you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

I was encouraged and blessed that a graduating senior this semester had such comforting words to proclaim. And you know, the Lord will bring beauty from the ashes, for He is in control. We may not understand at this time, but He does, and that is what matters. “Bless the Lord O my soul and all that is within me bless His Holy Name.” The Lord is good all the time. We pray and await His direction and guidance as we look ahead to this new year.

Wayne

Wayne Gardner signature