Dr. R.A. Forrest’s Church

Posted by AR on July 19th, 2010 filed in Living in Stephens County, Toccoa Falls
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I love these doors. I finally stopped yesterday afternoon and took a photo of them. They have been restored, and I think that they are so simple that they are elegant. The church is beautiful. I also had a chance to go inside and see where the founder of Toccoa Falls College preached for so many years. Dr. R. A. Forrest (pictured below) was the pastor from 1925 until 1950.

“In 1925, the First Presbyterian Church issued him a call to become their pastor. After much consideration and with the understanding that he would be able to continue his evangelistic work throughout the United States and Canada, he accepted the call and served as pastor of this church for twenty-five years. During his pastorate a beautiful brick edifice was built, and the church membership increased. It is of interest to note that, though he felt several times that he should resign because of the pressure of his other duties. The church refused to allow this until he reached the age of retirement.” —Taken from the book: Achieving The Impossible with God.

Here’s another view of the doors. I love the lamp post, too!

Stepping Back in Time

Posted by AR on July 17th, 2010 filed in Memories
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Visit any Mast General Store and you will feel like you have stepped back in time. You also will feel very welcomed. I don’t know how the people, who own this group of stores do it, but from the moment you walk in the door to the time you leave, you feel like you have walked into a place that is warm and friendly. They love for you to bring your dog/dogs with you (if the animal is well behaved) and will even go out of their way to offer your pup dog treats. In fact, Cocoa Joy walks through the store attracting comments and doggy cookies from one sales associate after another. The photo above was taken at the Mast General Store in Valle Crucis, North Carolina. It is the original store, and from the moment you walk through the door, you realize you have stepped into a bit of history.

The store contains a small Post Office. In fact a sign hanging near the window says: “This is a Working Post Office. Please Do Not Attempt to Open the Mailboxes.” Guess there is nothing like curious shoppers!

Wander through the rooms and you will find something to purchase. I love the shoe section (in a room beyond this one). You also can open the old Coca Cola cooler (in the foreground) and pull out a small bottom of Coke—absolutely the best!

This is the way America shopped in the 30′s and 40′s. Even the old gas (petrol) pump is still in it’s original place.

Sunset in Toccoa

Posted by AR on July 15th, 2010 filed in Memories
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We continue to have dramatic sunsets! The storm clouds part and the sun comes out—just in time for the end of the day. (smile)

White on White

Posted by AR on July 14th, 2010 filed in Hiking Through Northeast Georgia, Living in Stephens County
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This little Baptist church over looks  a road with very little traffic. I’ve noticed it for years while driving to South Carolina but have never turned off the main road to see it. This past weekend I couldn’t help but stop, especially after seeing storm clouds gathering behind it. A few minutes after I took this photo, clouds swept in completely covering the area and a thunder storm broke loose delivering lots of rain for me to drive through on my trek to Clemson.

Peach Pickin’ Time in Georgia

Posted by AR on July 13th, 2010 filed in Living in Stephens County
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When I was young, my dad would put me up in a peach tree and tell me to climb up to the top and pick the ripest fruit. A child can easily wiggle his or her way through the tender limbs to where the very best peaches are located. Without fail, I always came home itching like crazy from the peach fuzz on my skin. Peaches like the ones in this photo ripened by the hot summer sun are just down right delicious!

Rows of peach trees in a local orchard are a beautiful sight, especially at sunset. Too bad this was taken at about 2 o’clock in the afternoon.

I bought peaches at the orchard and white peaches from Jaemor Orchards just north of Gainesville. White peaches (the fruit or “flesh” inside the peach is white) are the best in my opinion. Nothing compares to Georgia Belle peaches. Without a doubt, they are the best for home-made peach ice cream.

Earlier, we stopped by the farmers market in Toccoa where we purchased homemade jelly and pickles from Mrs. Smith. That’s right, there is really a Mrs. Smith, and she has wonderful canned goods.