The Buckhorn Lake Area Church and the World

The congregation at the Buckhorn Lake Area Church has long been involved in mission work, not only here in Buckhorn but in areas around the world.

Our church was founded in mission. The Rev. Harvey Murdock came to Buckhorn as part of mission work that Dr. E. O. Guerrant began with his group, The Society of Soul Winners , back in the early 1900's. Rev. Murdock was instrumental in founding Witherspoon College in Buckhorn in 1903, which drew students from around Eastern Kentucky to Buckhorn to receive a quality education, and started many a boy or girl in successful careers, and a deeper relationship to God.

With many folks in our congregation who are active teachers, and with many who are retired educators, our traditional connections to Rev. Murdock's goals of bringing education and religion to Buckhorn continue. Every May, the Buckhorn High School and Grade School conduct their commencement programs in the Log Cathedral.

Local mission has much to do with our relationship and support of Buckhorn Children & Family Services . Not only do we encourage attendance by the center's clients and staff at worship, but we cooperate with them in their activities in the greater community.

Currently our church deacons maintain a mission store that is open on first and third Saturday mornings to provide our community with low cost clothing and household items. Whenever families in the area suffer some disaster to their homes, or their lives are disrupted, the store is opened to them, free of charge, to choose items to help them in some small way to get their lives back to normal.

The principal responsibility of Jim Garrett, our pulpit supply minister, is to serve the Presbytery of Transylvania by coordinating its Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) program. In cooperation with Buckhorn Children & Family Services , our church welcomes work groups who volunteer their time and talents following disasters such as the 2022 flooding.

A Change for Change collection box near the door of the church collects loose change from members entering or leaving the church. These modest contributions have assisted local groups such as the Volunteer Fire Department, the local chapter of the Disabled American Veterans, and Hope House in Hazard, to name a few.

The Log Cathedral sits along Kentucky Route 28. This road is part of the Bikecentennial route that bicyclists use to cross the United States. Riders from all over the world have the opportunity to stop and rest, to take a tour of the church, or to stay overnight using our handicap restroom and shower.

The folks at the Log Cathedral have long contributed to the many annual mission programs of our denomination, the Presbyterian Church (USA). These include the One Great Hour of Sharing , the Pentecost Offering , the Peace & Global Witness offering, the Joy Gift , and the Five Cents a Meal hunger program. So, we put our money where our mouth is.