Over 75 members of the Whitefield community gathered together in the cold on Friday, February 26, to dedicate a new parcel of land as a new addition to Whitefield’s campus. The land, located east of the river and visible from Buckner Road, was purchased from a heavy industrial company by longtime Whitefield family Gina and John Charles. The couple cleaned up the property, and then generously presented the parcel to Whitefield Academy as a gift. The nearly 20-acre addition, along with other newly acquired acreage in recent years, brings the total acreage of Whitefield’s beautiful campus to 100 acres.
Dr. Kevin Bracher, headmaster, welcomed attendees to Friday’s dedication service and shared the crucial immediate role the land plays for event parking; he also shared possible uses of the land in the future. Wallace Francis, chaplain of Whitefield’s board of trustees asked for God’s blessing over the land in a prayer of dedication, “that this land along with the entire Whitefield campus would continue to impact future generations in training men and women.” Cordie Swift, Middle School administrative assistant, led the gathering in a corporate hymn, “How
Great Thou Art.” Next, Byron Johnson, coordinator of Whitefield’s Parent Prayer Group, commissioned participants to pray in small groups. The event ended with a closing prayer from Whitefield Board Chair, Jason Bilotti. After the event over a dozen daring souls hiked the full circumference of the property.
The entire area around Whitefield campus was original a Cherokee reservation, with a Methodist Missionary outpost close by. In 1828 gold was discovered in Dahlonega, Georgia. The influx of white settlers forced the Cherokee Indians to move out West in what became known as the “Trail of Tears.”
In July of 1864 this area was the location of the Johnston Riverline Battle of the Civil War. After the war Whitefield’s current campus became a horse farm. In 1996 this farm was used to stable some of the horses competing in the Olympic equestrian events. In 1999 the original 52 acres was purchased by Whitefield Academy.
“Through the years, Whitefield’s campus has continued to expand, along with our enrollment, and the excellent programs we offer to students,” said Dr. Kevin Bracher, headmaster. “We have remained true to our mission and God continues to bless us and provide for our needs as we grow. We are very excited to dedicate this piece of land to His glory.”