(FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Ga.)—Today as a historic house moves from Emmanuel College’s campus to make room for a new 100-bed residence hall, it serves as a mile marker of advancement and growth in enrollment.

After weeks of preparation and anticipation, the actual move from the home site to US Highway 29 took approximately five minutes.

“The process took a while, but it is a great relief that the move was smooth and uneventful,” says Director of Campus Operations Ron McCullar.

Moving the house today reflects EC’s progress of moving toward tomorrow.
“I think today is about the past and the future of Emmanuel College,” says President Michael Stewart. “This will help meet our needs for the future for students. In fact, we need those beds right now."

Wendy Vinson, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing, echoes President Stewart. "This fall Emmanuel saw its largest freshman class in more than 10 years, and we look forward to building on that momentum in the coming years," Vinson says.

According to Vice President of Alumni and Development Brian James, moving the house instead of tearing it down benefits the community as well as the college.

“It’s about $25,000 to have it demolished and taken off in a dump truck. This move is productive for the community so somebody else can use it,” James says.

The house is about 50 years old and has been home to the general superintendent of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) as well as some of the college’s presidents. In recent years, it has been office space.

“It not being there dramatically changes the landscape of Franklin Springs,” President Stewart says. As enrollment increases and more athletic teams and facilities are being added, more than the landscape is changing at Emmanuel College.
Citing a recent study of private colleges conducted by Mercer University, President Stewart says Emmanuel has an economic impact of about $25 million a year to Franklin County. “As the college grows, it strengthens the whole community.

"I feel a very strong commitment to our Franklin County community and for Emmanuel to be able to give back—to be a contributor and partner in our community,” President Stewart adds. 

Article and Photos by Paula Dixon
Click here for informal interview with President Michael Stewart and Brian James