Upon arrival visitors will be introduced to the school via a video entitled: Hindman Settlement School: A Light In The Mountains. It tells the vision of a barefoot mountain man, affectionately known as Uncle Sol, who dreamed of more for his people.   He wanted to be taught a better way of life, not filled with fighting and feuding.  His vision led him to Hazard, Kentucky where he heard of women who came from the big city to set up tents during the summer and taught sewing, cooking, kindergarten, Bible classes, home nursing, temperance and all sorts of social activities.  He invited them to Hindman, where eventually, in 1902 the first permanent rural social settlement school in the US was begun. A century later, the purpose of the school remains the same as they strive to provide educational opportunities for boys and girls of the region, always keeping them mindful of their Appalachian heritage.

This little school in the mountains has touched the world through sharing and preserving Appalachian history and heritage; mainly due to the vision of an old, barefoot mountain man who wanted more for his people. We’re a whole lot more sophisticated than what a small piece of Kentucky was in 1902, but some things haven’t changed. The world is still fighting and feuding, and Jesus is still the only answer to a better way of life. Our church is a shining beacon in this community – she offers hope for a new life for individuals facing their own unimaginable obstacles and our church always keeps us mindful of our spiritual heritage in Christ Jesus. Our vision to reach the unchurched population of our area can be a reality as we step forward in faith.
Our prayer is that we will continue to be a light, not only in our community, but to the outermost parts of the world.