From August 2 to September 5, Toccoa Falls College will offer an online course titled Pastor, Church Law. This is a great opportunity for area pastors and church administrators to learn more about what the law says when it comes to the church and the way it operates in our world today. Dr. David Reese, Bible and Theology department chair said, “We are sure this is a class that anyone in the pastorate or serving in church ministry will find enlightening and beneficial.”

The instructor is Beth Allen Owens, Attorney at Law, with John W. Allen & Associates in Mansfield, Ohio. She has been with the firm for six years.  Her areas of practice include civil litigation and family law.  She has had the opportunity to litigate several church law issues within the civil courts, argue on the appellate level, and litigate many jury trials.  She also practices in the legal areas affecting families, including divorce, custody, and adoption.

Attorney Owens obtained her Juris Doctor degree at Regent University in 2004.  Prior to that, she obtained her bachelor’s degree studying English at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.  She also obtained an associate degree in accounting at the University of Rio Grande in Rio Grande, Ohio.  She grew up in Rio Grande, Ohio, where her parents still live, and her father teaches art at the University of Rio Grande.

Attorney Owens has a great deal of enthusiasm for this area of the law, which will be evident to all.  She highly encourages pastors and those working within a church administration to be familiar with the many and ever-changing legal issues that involve the church. The textbook for the course is Pastor, Church & Law, by Richard Hammar. Owens says, “It is a very thorough and extremely useful text that will prove to be a valuable resource for those who take the class. It is a book that can be referred to over and over again.”

You can register online at: online.tfc.edu. There are only 20 spaces available. The cost for the class is $750 plus textbooks and application fee. Dr. William Hyndman, director of Distance Education at TFC, urges those who are interested to call immediately. For more information, call 1-706-244-8952 or 1-888-785-5624 or go online: www.online.tfc.edu.

Dr. Wayne Gardner, president of Toccoa Falls College recently announced the appointment of Mr. Lee Yowell as vice president for Student Development. Mr. Yowell assumed his new position at TFC on July 1.

As vice president for Student Development, Yowell will oversee Student Development along with supervising a broad range of services, which include residence life, campus security, campus life, counseling services, retention, health services, judicial processes, and career services.

In making the announcement of Yowell’s appointment, Dr. Gardner said, “We’re looking forward to having Lee and his family with us at TFC. And we’re looking forward to the great things that God will do this next year in the lives of our students under Lee’s direction.”

Yowell comes to TFC with over ten years of student development experience having most recently served at Mount Vernon Nazarene University as associate dean of Student Development. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois and a master’s degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Ohio.

“I am grateful for the privilege to serve in this role at TFC, and I am excited by both the challenges and opportunities of the position,” said Yowell. “We have a very strong student development team that is prepared to serve, and we believe that the best days are ahead of us at TFC.”

Also joining the TFC family are Mr. Yowell’s wife Bridget and their four children, Houston (8), Ashton (6), Grace (4) and Peyton (2).

In a thank you note to college officials this week, WSB TV (Atlanta, Georgia) stated the recent broadcast of “Georgia’s Hidden Treasures” was the “highest rated program of the day.” Therefore, the station is re-airing it this coming Sunday (June 27) at 7:30 pm. However, you can view the nine-minute plus segment featuring the college right now on our TFC-YouTube site.

Channel 2 (WSB TV in Atlanta) news anchor John Pruitt practices his lines as he prepares to tape a segment for Georgia's Hidden Treasures. The file crew is on the deck of Staley Cottage, better known as Forrest Guest House, which looks out over Toccoa Falls.

On June 9 at 8 p.m., John Pruitt, who anchors Channel 2 Action News at 5, 6 and 11 p.m, will spotlight Toccoa Falls on Georgia’s Hidden Treasures. Pruitt is a veteran news reporter and anchor. He also was one of the Atlanta area news reporters that covered the dam break at Toccoa Falls in 1977. He returned to the area in 1987 to cover the 10^th anniversary of the flood.

Two weeks ago, Pruitt was in Toccoa again, but this time he wasn’t covering a tragedy. He was preparing to report about one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the state of Georgia—Toccoa Falls located on the campus of Toccoa Falls College.

John takes a moment to pose for the camera. Toccoa Falls is visible in the background.

WSB TV (Channel 2) news anchor John Pruitt talks about the beauty of Toccoa Falls during the taping of a segment for the program Georgia's Hidden Treasures.

In a recent news release announcing the schedule for a program that he creatively directs, Pruitt wrote, “Falling in a thunderous roar from a sheer 186-foot rock wall, Toccoa Falls is one of Georgia’s most spectacular sights. But this natural wonder not only evokes in me awe at its beauty, but also dark memories of what happened here 33 years ago. Covering the aftermath [of the flood at Toccoa Falls], I was deeply affected by the scope of the disaster—the lives lost, the debris, the destroyed homes, the ruins of what was once a vibrant college campus. But where I expected to find shattered victims who had lost all hope, I found something else entirely. I found a Christian college community accepting what happened with an unquestioning faith and serenity and vowing to rebuild.

“In all my 47 years of reporting, I can recall few, if any, stories with the horror and impact of the Toccoa Falls dam disaster. Early on the morning of November 6, 1977 a dam above Toccoa Falls broke after heavy rains sending a wall of water crashing over the falls and onto the campus of Toccoa Falls College.

“Thirty-nine people—students, faculty members and their families, and others connected to the college—perished in the swirling torrent.

TFC alum Margaret Pinney explains how her first husband lost his life the night of the flood.

“Returning to Toccoa Falls and the beautifully restored campus for Georgia’s Hidden Treasures brought back all those memories. I’m glad we can share these lovely scenes and this story with our viewers. I hope all who visit this remarkable place will not only enjoy the beauty and serenity, but will also reflect on the unbreakable faith of those who survived one of Georgia’s worst disasters.”

Editor’s note: For those of you who do not live in this area or do not have cable, we’ll post the video of this program after it airs.

At a recent Ribbon Cutting ceremony sponsored by Toccoa Falls College and the Stephens County Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Wayne Gardner relived what it felt like to receive the early morning call saying that Gate Cottage was on fire and more than likely would be a total loss, “I felt like I had lost an old friend. I was away from the college and when I arrived back on campus the next day and saw the destruction, my eyes filled with tears. Memories came back to me of the days when my office was upstairs in Gate Cottage. I also realized that not just our alumni had lost an important historical structure, but so had the citizens of Stephens County.”

Within two days of the fire, so many notes containing memories had been received by the college concerning Gate Cottage that Gardner and the college’s trustees were prompted to make a promise: Gate would be rebuilt. Not only would it be done quickly, it would have a remarkable resemblance to the former one—the one that the National Youth Administration (N. Y. A.) group had built in 1938. This is the same Gate Cottage that often ends up on state brochures along with the falls, which remains one of Georgia’s most visited tourist attractions.

As soon as the rubble cooled, college work crews moved in and began removing as much of the original stone facade as could be salvaged to be reused for construction on the new building. Gate’s yellow-hued stone is iconic to the Toccoa Falls College campus. It is a building that everyone remembers—a place where wedding receptions were held as well as important board meetings. Its stone is native to the Toccoa area and a familiar site to all who have spent time at Toccoa Falls.

“While the loss was great last year, today we rejoice,” said Gardner, “because Gate Cottage has indeed been rebuilt.” A new cathedral ceiling will provide more natural light into the building. The gift shop reopened this week and will include regional gifts and the college’s bookstore.

by Jason Mehl Director of TFC Sports Information

In 2010, Toccoa Falls College fielded the second best NCCAA Div. II baseball team in America.  Atlanta Christian College fielded the best.  The two teams faced each other twice last week in the National Tournament in Cincinnati, first in the second round and again in the championship game and Atlanta was the better team both times winning 9-3 in game one and 12-1 in game two.

Obviously the Eagles would have preferred to return from the tournament with a second consecutive National Championship banner, but they are pleased with at least having a chance to defend their championship and to finish in second place behind a strong Atlanta team.  “It was a great week,” said an upbeat Head Coach Justin Pollock after a long drive from Cincinnati to Toccoa.  “We really played hard and played well, we just weren’t able to get the result we wanted.”

Atlanta sent Toccoa to the loser’s bracket May 13, and Toccoa beat Manhattan Christian College (Kansas) 7-2 the next day to earn the right to try to beat Atlanta twice.

Derek Brown got the start for the Eagles and kept Atlanta hitless through three innings.  In the bottom of the third TFC scored a run on back-to-back doubles from Brett Denney and Jody Hyde, and the Eagles were in good shape.  In the fourth inning Brown, pitching for the first time on two-days-rest, started tiring and Atlanta took advantage.  They stacked up four runs in the fourth

On Saturday May 15, 2010, one hundred twenty-eight seniors received their diplomas during commencement services at Toccoa Falls College.

Sometimes a photo truly is worth a thousand words. The ones above and the ones following fit perfectly into that category.

Prof. Vena, who is surrounded by TFC grads, prepares to carry the college’s mace during the academic regalia.

Lining up for the official photo.

Josh Taylor, president of the student government, listens as  Prof. Wulf tells grads where to stand during the photo session.

Making sure everyone is in the correct place at the correct time.

A wide-angle view of TFC grads. It was the first time in 30 years that everyone showed up on time for the photo. WOW!

Friends talk and take photos of one another before Commencement begins.

There was time for final adjustments.

Tassel: on the right or the left? Left or right? Right? Before of after  Dr. Gardner says, “Graduates, you may turn your tassel.”

There was time to clown around thanks to a 9:15 a.m. curtain call.

Tie, white shirt, cords in place, tassel in place, and a pressed robe. Perfect!

And finally, what would graduation be like without a grad and his “white—theologically correct” sunglasses?!

by Jason Mehl Director of TFC Sports Information

The Toccoa Falls College Baseball team moved a step closer to repeating as National Champions yesterday at the NCCAA Div. II World Series in Cincinnati.  Then they took another step away.  The Eagles (#3 seed) beat #2 seed Manhattan Christian College (Kansas) 6-3 yesterday afternoon to stay in the winner’s bracket of the double elimination tournament, but then lost their night game to local rival and #1 seed, Atlanta Christian College (ACC) by a score of 9-3.

The Eagles did most of their damage early against Manhattan.  John Welborn led off the first inning with a base hit and was driven in by Jody Hyde.  Later in the inning, Cory Klassen hit a three-run homer to put TFC up 4-0.  Klassen then drove in another run in the 5^th, and Josh Jordan drove in TFC’s final run in the 6^th.

Mike Thorne pitched a complete game for the Eagles, giving up six singles and striking out six batters.  He shut down the Manhattan bats until they finally plated two runners in the 6^th and scored one unearned run in the 7^th.

After the win, TFC rested for a couple of hours before taking the field again—this time against conference rival Atlanta Christian College.  TFC beat Atlanta in both games of a double-header in Atlanta back in February, but Atlanta won the next three regular season games, and the only conference playoff game between the two teams. Yesterday, TFC had trouble generating offense against Atlanta’s best pitcher.  They managed two hits in the 1st inning, but scored no runs.  After that, it was the 7^th and final inning with Atlanta leading 9-0, before the Eagles threatened to score.  They needed much more than the five hits and three runs they were able to produce.  The Atlanta pitcher ended up giving up seven hits, but struck out 10 batters Hyde was the only player to record more than one hit (2).  Welborn, Brett Denney, Ryan Kirby, Josh Jordan and Derek Brown all had one hit each.

Though credited with the loss, Cory Klassen pitched a solid game.  He kept the Eagles within striking distance until a two-run homer in the bottom of the fifth put Atlanta up 5-0.  Atlanta tacked on another four runs in the 6^th, but all of those were un-earned due to four fielding errors.

TFC now faces a win-or-go-home situation.  Lancaster Bible College (#5) and Manhattan Christian play this afternoon for the chance to play TFC in the night game at 7:00.  The winner of that game will play Atlanta Christian at 11:00 am Saturday and, if necessary, again at 2:00 pm for the championship.

Latest Update: The Toccoa Falls College Baseball team beat Manhattan Christian College 7-2 to advance to the championship game in the NCCAA Div II World Series in Cincinnati.  TFC plays top-seed Atlanta Christian College Saturday morning at 11:00.  If Atlanta wins, they are the National Champions, if TFC wins, both teams play in the final, winner-takes-all game at 2:00.

This morning TFC seniors practiced for tomorrow’s big event! Baccalaureate is tonight (May 14) at 7:30 in Grace Chapel.  A reception will be held in the Lois DeLany Gymnatorium immediately following the service. This annual event is hosted by Drs. Wayne and Donna Gardner. Commencement is tomorrow morning at 10:30 a.m. The group photo of the grads will be taken on the steps of LeTourneau Hall at 9:24 a.m.

College Registrar Kelly Vickers watches as TFC seniors practice marching into Grace Chapel in preparation for tomorrow’s service.

Associate vice president for academic affairs Dr. Brian Shelton stands in for TFC president Dr. Wayne Gardner, who will be the one handing grads their diplomas tomorrow.

Vice president of academic affairs Dr. Barbara Bellefeuille watched TFC seniors take their places during practice for Commencement.

Kathy Reibsome hands our the “cords” to senior honor students.

Practicing a grand exit. Check out all the photos on Flickr!

by Jason Mehl Director of TFC Sports Information

The Toccoa Falls College Baseball team won their first game of the 2010 NCCAA Div II World Series yesterday in Cincinnati. TFC, seeded #3 in the eight team tournament, beat #6 Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College (Oklahoma) 7-1. The Eagles provided solid and productive hitting and reliable defense to support masterful pitching from Derek Brown and turn in what Head Coach Justin Pollock called, “one of our best all-around games of the season.”

John Welborn set the offensive tone by leading off the game with a double, the first of TFC’s 11 hits. Ryan Kirby had three hits and two RBI, Jody Hyde had two hits and three RBI, Brett Denney and Welborn had two hits each and Cory Klassen and Josh Jordan each had one.

But the story of the game was Brown’s performance on the mound.  He pitched a complete game (all tournament games are seven innings), giving up only one run on three hits, while striking out eight batters.  The only trouble came in the second inning when Hillsdale had runners on first and second base with no outs.  The third batter bunted and the Eagles were able to get the lead runner out at third.  The next batter grounded out, and the next batter singled to score Hillsdale’s only run of the game.  After that, Brown stayed focused and the Eagle defense made plays and Hillsdale never threatened again.

TFC plays #2 Manhattan Christian College (Kansas) at 1:00 pm today.  If they win, they play again at 7:00 pm, if they lose they play again at 4:00 pm.