The Year 1920 marked the beginning of the Cumberland Methodist Church. At that time, Cumberland was known as Poor Fork and had a total population of 300. Of this number, 15 Christians representing several denominations formulated and put into motion plans for a community church.

At this very early beginning, H. L. Russell, Sr. became the "leader of the flock." Brother Russell was a member of the Lutheran Church.

In the fall of 1920, a cornerstone for the "new church" was laid. This was a high hour for this small band of Christians who were determined to erect a place of worship. This first church was erected on Myers Street where the G. C. Cornett Feed Store was later located.

A New Church

Old Store operated by G. C. Cornett.
Former site of the first church.

During a period of one year, Rev. Hiram Frakes, then pastor of the Benham Church, conducted prayer meetings for the newly-formed church. Rev. Frakes was the founder of what is now known as Henderson Settlement located at Frakes, Kentucky

In the Fall of 1921, under the able leadership of Rev. Ollie G. Regan, District Superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a group of interested men and women formulated plans to organize a Methodist church.

Members of the group were:

  • Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Russell
  • Mrs. Katie Hopkins
  • Precious Cornett
  • Mr and Mrs. W. W. Cornett
  • Miss Agness Colley, a deaconess in the M.E. church
These plans became a reality in January, 1922, when 15 persons were received into the membership of the newly-formed Methodist Church as charter members.

They were:

  • Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Cornett
  • Mrs. Katie Hopkins
  • Mr. and Mrs. Lee Johnson
  • Precious Cornett
  • Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Russell
  • Mrs. Charlie Smith
  • Mr. and Mrs. M. Wilson
  • Bennie Hamilton,
At the 1922 Fall Annual Conference of the Methodist Church, the Rev. Sam C. Rice was assigned as the church's first pastor. Under his leadership the membership grew from 15 to 82 members. Rev. Rice served the church for three years before he was assigned to another appointment. Rev. Ingersoll was then appointed and served for one year. At the 1926 annual conference Rev. Francis Cook was appointed and served one year.

First Church

Mrs. H. L. Russell's Sunday School Class at the first church building on Myers Street

At The Foot of Main Street

The 1927 Annual Conference appointed Rev. Willard F. Cochran as pastor of the Cumberland Methodist Church. The need for new facilities for the growing congregation was becoming apparent. The still infant church, only five years old, decided to look to the future. Thus, plans were formulated to relocate and erect a more efficient and adequate building. A lot at the foot of Main Street owned by Mr. W. W. Cornett was selected as the ideal location for the new church. The church purchased the lot for $3,000.00. Mr. Cornett in turn, donated $1,500.00 for the building of a new church on the lot. The new building was completed and ready for occupancy late in the fall of 1928. This building is the present location of the Cumberland United Methodist Church. Two of the charter members did not live to see their dream come true. Precious Cornett died July 22, 1928, and her father W.W. Cornett died on August 20, 1928.

Much time, energy, and money for the new church was graciously given by what was then known as the "Ladies Aid." The name was changed to the Woman's Society of Christian Service WSCS in 1939 with the uniting of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and Protestant Methodist Church. The WSCS groups continued their work for the liquidation of the indebtedness of the new church. Much praise and glory is due the fine ladies of the church for their efforts and interest in seeing God's House debt-free.

First Converts

In 1928 the new congregation entered the new building with great rejoicing and much praise to God for the reality of a "dream come true." This new building cost nearly $18,000.00. This tremendous sum of money presented the church with a great challenge. However, their untiring efforts and endless faith led them to a real victory on June 22, 1947, when the church was dedicated debt-free.

The pastor at the time of dedication was the Rev. Arthur Osborne. Through his able leadership, the church had reached this high hour. Bishop William T. Watkins, then the Resident Bishop of the Kentucky Conference of the Methodist Church, along with Rev. Charles N. White, the District Superintendent of the Barbourville District, officiated at the dedication service.

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