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Tragedy Strikes — The Flood of 1977

During the early morning hours of November 6, 1977, after five days of almost continual rain, the dam that impounded the waters of Kelly Barnes Lake [located above the Toccoa Falls College campus] burst, and 176 million gallons of water surged through the campus below in the space of a few minutes. Most of the college personnel who lived in the path of the flood were asleep at the time, and 39 of them were swept to their deaths in the raging waters of Toccoa Creek. . . . The flood, in the natural understanding of things, was perhaps the

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continued, section 4 ~ Timeline

Plotting The Pathway of Destruction (Map is from Dam Break in Georgia, © 1978, Horizon House Publishers, Camp Hill, PA 17011) Saturday, November 6, 1977 9:00 p.m. — Members of the Toccoa Falls Volunteer Fire Department became concerned about the rising waters of Toccoa Creek. A lot of rain had fallen and the atmosphere of the usually peaceful seemed to be changing. 10:30 p.m. — Ron Ginther and David Fledderjohann took the Toccoa Falls Volunteer Fire Department truck up to the dam and visually inspected the water level of Kelly Barnes lake. The water appeared to be below danger level

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continued, section 3 ~ A Week Later

A Week Later In one week’s time, this relatively small community has recovered, partially at least, from this great tragedy. The stories of help and heroism may never be completely told. The stories of hardship and heartache to many families may continue for years to come. One thing survived the flood and has emerged as a great bulwark of strength to everyone who has been a part of this experience. That is the faith and courage of the students, faculty, staff and families of the Toccoa Falls School. Wherever one has had contact with these devout people one has not

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Flood of November 6, 1977

In Darkness and Dawn, The story of God’s faithfulness at Toccoa Falls College In 1919, four years after fire destroyed Haddock Inn and nearly destroyed Toccoa Falls College, famed evangelist and composer Paul Rader penned the words of the well-known hymn, “Only Believe.” As he stood looking over the campus, the faith and courage of the students and faculty moved Rader. The last stanza of the hymn affirms God’s presence in times of darkness and dawn. More than 60 years later, that same faith and courage was seen again in the lives of those affected by the devastating flood, which

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Middle East Then And Now

Editor’s note—The yellowed map of Iraq clipped out of newspaper was discovered in Mrs. Forrest’s Bible. We had no idea of its significance until we

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May 15, 16, 17 & 18, 1930

The Diary of Evelyn Forrest’s Trip to Palestine Thursday, May 15, 1930 On the Atlantic — S.S. Andania Both of us slept late this morning.

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May 11, 12, 13 & 14, 1930

The Diary of Evelyn Forrest’s Trip to Palestine Sunday, May 11, 1930 Atlantic Ocean The Cunard Line, Steamship Andania It was very rough all night.

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May 10, 1930

The Diary of Evelyn Forrest’s Trip to Palestine Saturday May 10, 1930 Glasgow, Scotland This is sailing day. Praise the Lord! We will both be

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May 9, 1930

The Diary of Evelyn Forrest’s Trip to Palestine Friday, May 9, 1930 Edinburg, Scotland Had another fire this morning for it was still cold. After

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May 8, 1930

The Diary of Evelyn Forrest’s Trip to Palestine Thursday, May 8, 1930 London, England 6:45 a. m. This is rather early for the “Honeymoon” but

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