In commemoration of Toccoa Falls Institute’s 50th anniversary, a public service was held with Dr. Billy Graham as the principal speaker. Proclamations by William Clary, Mayor of the City of Toccoa and Dr. Bruce Schaeffer, Chairman of the Commissioners of Stephens County proclaimed September 25, 1961, as “Dr. Forrest—Toccoa Falls Day†in Toccoa and Stephens County.
U.S. Congressman Phil Landrum, who spoke at the public convocation, said, “I never heard Dr. Forrest preach a sermon but I saw him live many a sermon.†Senator Herman Talmadge spoke of his admiration for the faith demonstrated by Dr. Forrest and pointed to the need in our nation for men who have the conviction produced by faith to not be moved from the course by strong winds of adversity.