Return to PCMA HomepageTHE POWELL COUNTY MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION
A Brief History
Following an Easter Sunrise Service on April 6, 1958, at the Stanton Cemetery, four ministers -- Lorrell Kennett (Stanton Assembly of God), Raymond Lewis (Stanton Christian Church), David Eugene Rule (First Presbyterian Church), and Chester Self (Stanton Baptist Church) -- decided to organize a ministerial association. At the organizational meeting held on the evening of April 28, 1958, at the Stanton Baptist Church, five ministers were present: Linville Berryman (Clay City Christian Church), Jess Bowman (Mechanicsville Church of God, although not its pastor), Eugene Kelly (Morris Creek First Church of God), David Eugene Rule, and Chester Self. At the meeting, Chester Self was elected president; Scott Griffith (Vaughn's Mill First Church of God), who was included in the planning for a meeting but who could not attend that first one, was elected vice president; and David Rule was elected secretary-treasurer.
The Powell County Ministerial Association adopted a constitution on September 9, 1963, which stated the purposes of the organization to be: Provision of a channel for cooperative witness, service, and fellowship; provision of opportunity for fellowship among ministers and churches; demonstration of the essential unity of the Church; study and planning with respect to the spiritual, religious, moral, social, and civic needs of the county and its people; provision of a vehicle for organized opposition to sin and vice; endeavor to bring to bear the power of Christ and the influence of Christians in the life of Powell County and its people; making the benefits outlined available to all groups and ministers who identify with the Association. The Powell County Ministerial Association is a religious corporation under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
In its existence of nearly fifty years, the Powell County Ministerial Association has had a cumulative membership of one hundred sixty-eight (168) ministers, representing more than a dozen different church bodies. The minister to serve longest as president is Clifford N. West, pastor at the time of the Shiloh United Methodist Church. He served, consecutively, five full terms and almost one-half of a following sixth term (January, 1977-May, 1982). Present (2006) officers are Bill Boldt (President since 2004), Stephen Donithan (Vice President since 2005), David Rule (Secretary since 1958), and Anthony Molihan (Treasurer since 2005).
Among the ministries of the Association to the county are county-wide evangelistic crusades; Holy Week (pre-Easter) Services; Community Revival Services; Community Thanksgiving Service; Independence Day Service; Easter Sunrise services; summer services at Natural Bridge State Park; and radio broadcasts. The Association started and supervises a program, "Powell County Christians United Against Drugs". The Association has a ministry at the Powell County Jail, and many of its members are involved in personal counseling and prayer with those who request it.
Many issues and interests have been before the Ministerial Association over the years: Alcohol; drugs; gambling; pornography; Sabbath observance; the National Day of Prayer in May; youth ministries; the Ten Commandments. Our letterhead proclaims, "Serving the County for Christ". Hitherto and henceforth, that purpose is primary.
-prepared by David Eugene Rule; March 16, 2006
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The Powell County Ministerial Association celebrated 50 Years of Serving the County for Christ on May 17, 2008 with an Anniversary Celebration held at the Morris Creek First Church of God Tabernacle. Pictures of this celebration and a transcript of the message presented by Bro. David Rule are available on this website by following these links below:
50TH ANNIVERSARY PICTURES-(UNDER CONSTRUCTION) MESSAGE BY BRO. RULE
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