History
In February 1925, Reverend Hiram Frakes observed a murder hearing in the Pineville, KY county courtroom presided over by one of the members of his church. The judge was faced with yet another case from a notorious section of the county - the Laurel Fork Valley - ruled by it's own kind of law of fear and violence. When witnesses refused once more to place the blame for certain killings, the judge could take no more. In frustration, he told the residents to "go back to South America and kill yourselves off."
Moved by this incident, the Pineville Methodist pastor decided to shift his ministry toward these valley people. There were a few elementary schools of various quality but the nearest high school was 30 miles away. With no land or money, Rev. Frakes made the trek and shared his dream of providing an education to all children with anyone who would listen. Incredibly, the people with a proud tradition of land ownership affirmed that dream. Uncle Scott Partin gave the first 16 acres, several others gave portions of their hold and Bill Henderson gave his entire 68 acres. Rev. Frakes went to his bishop, Theodore Henderson, laying the groundwork for financial support. Bertha Reil, a Deaconess and graduate of the Chicago Training School, heard about Rev. Frakes and came to serve as the first teacher of the new school. The cabin where she stayed remains a Settlement landmark.
Over the last 100+ years programs have changed and evolved to meet our community’s needs. Moving forward we will adapt to ever-changing times and technologies to continue meeting the many needs of our Laurel Fork Valley community.
Moved by this incident, the Pineville Methodist pastor decided to shift his ministry toward these valley people. There were a few elementary schools of various quality but the nearest high school was 30 miles away. With no land or money, Rev. Frakes made the trek and shared his dream of providing an education to all children with anyone who would listen. Incredibly, the people with a proud tradition of land ownership affirmed that dream. Uncle Scott Partin gave the first 16 acres, several others gave portions of their hold and Bill Henderson gave his entire 68 acres. Rev. Frakes went to his bishop, Theodore Henderson, laying the groundwork for financial support. Bertha Reil, a Deaconess and graduate of the Chicago Training School, heard about Rev. Frakes and came to serve as the first teacher of the new school. The cabin where she stayed remains a Settlement landmark.
Over the last 100+ years programs have changed and evolved to meet our community’s needs. Moving forward we will adapt to ever-changing times and technologies to continue meeting the many needs of our Laurel Fork Valley community.
