Laurel Mission
This special report on our Kentucky mission, which was approaching its 50th anniversary, consumed the entire March 1987 United Brethren magazine. Editor Steve Dennie spent a week at Laurel Mission interviewing people and gathering scattered elements of the story of Laurel Mission. Then he interviewed other people who had been associated with the mission and slogged through lots of reports and articles written over the years.
Everything that appeared in the magazine can be found in the following articles, which are best read in sequence.
Part 1: Up and Down Greasy Creek
Mabel Snyder and the early years of Laurel Mission
Part 2: There's Coal in Them Hills
More history intertwined with the importance of coal mining.
Part 3: Some Loving Help from the Brethren
The churches of Laurel Mission, and the help they have received from the broader United Brethren constituency.
Part 4: On the Run with Ken Smith
The life and testimony of Ken Smith, pastor of Cedar Chapel.
Part 5: Alvin Boggs, Child of Greasy
The life and Alvin Boggs, whose influence and ministry casts a huge shadow over the whole area.
Part 6: The Mountain Museum Man
Getting acquainted with Fred and Cumille Lewis, laypersons at Little Laurel church.
Part 7: Rattlers, Moonshine, Bootlegging, Etc.
Tidbits of local lore.
Part 8: Mountain Folk Can Survive
Meeting Rhoda Crouch and Steve Whitehead
Part 9: A Short Jaunt Up the Holler
Taking a ride with Titus Boggs throughout the area on election day, starting with the Pine Mountain Settlement School.
Part 10: Living Waters of Greasy Creek
The Living Water school, which Alvin Boggs started.
Part 11: Comings and Goings
Changes at Laurel Mission over the year, especially in leadership
Part 12: Mission? or Church? Caught in the Middle
Laurel Mission's identity crisis, and what lies ahead.
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