Articles & Stories
Drushals
Dedicated Their Lives To
Riverside Institute In Breathitt County
Hundreds
Of Young People Learned Compassion And Service.
Centennial Celebration Set For September 23rd-25th.
By Nancy Hostetler - 2005
Why
would a newlywed couple want to build their first home alongside
a creek aptly named Troublesome? Did they realize that just around
the curve Troublesome was joined by another body of water named
Lost Creek?
This young couple, George and Ada Drushal, had little time to
ponder puzzling creek names when they first arrived in Breathitt
County in October 1905. Although each of them had felt a leading
to minister to peoples' needs in Japan, that door never opened
for them. Then another door opened wide, a door into the hearts
and lives of people in Eastern Kentucky who were needing and
wanting a preacher and Bible teacher. This was exactly 100 years
ago.
George
and Ada Drushal arrived in Breathitt County in October 1905.
They both had the desire to commit to a life of service to others.
The couple was received warmly in the small community of Lost
Creek located ten miles south of Jackson. Here they are shown
on Kentucky Belle probably headed to neighboring communities
where they, along with other teachers at Riverside Institute,
established afternoon Sunday Schools.
(Photo courtesy of Riverside Christian School.)
George and Ada first met when both were students at Ashland College
in Ashland, Ohio. They quickly discovered that they shared a
desire to commit to a life of service to others. While attending
summer conferences sponsored by the YMCA, they learned of an
organization called the "Soul Winners' Society." George
got in touch with Dr. E. O. Guerrant, founder of the Society,
an interdenominational group which sent teachers and church workers
into the southern mountains. Dr. Guerrant played a major role
in their lives. He selected their destination, the little village
of Lost Creek, about ten miles from the county seat of Jackson.
Just as important, he gave them good counsel that would guide
them into more than half-a-century of fulfilling a commitment.
He told them:
"It will take a lot of faith and grace to adjust to the
new way of living, to put yourselves in the position where you
can become a part of the community and provide the spiritual
and educational leadership which this county and this part of
the state so desperately need. Even though you have a college
education, do not forget that there is so very much that these
people can teach you. They can teach you a lot about life, a
lot about caring for each other, and a lot about family unity.
They can also teach you the lore of the mountains, which is its
own science, in a way."
George's reply was, "We are ready to learn."
The Drushals were warmly welcomed by "Uncle" Walter
and Maggie Strong and given a room in their house until they
could get settled. Nearby was a one-room building with a lean-to
that was being used to store fodder. They were told that they
could have that place to live in, and they moved in even before
the chairs and stove they had ordered from Montgomery Ward had
arrived.
Ada shared, "Our first meal in our new home was fried potatoes,
fried over the fireplace, and some doughnuts and butter we had
brought for our lunch from Winchester and some biscuits given
us by "Aunt" Maggie. Such a meal! We had never tasted
a better one."
George conducted his first church service that first Sunday in
Lost Creek at the little schoolhouse. He also led the singing
and Ada played the violin. As they learned to know the people
and visited in their homes, they quickly discovered that their
new neighbors were eager for regular church services, more than
occasional ones by itinerant preachers.
When the small public school was about to close for lack of a
teacher, the Drushals were asked to keep it open. "We soon
saw we could do more to get the Gospel into the hearts and minds
of children by having daily Bible classes in school than could
be done by years of Sunday School work alone," they explained,
"so we planned for a school as a permanent part of our work."
This confirmed what Dr. Guerrant had told them earlier that a
Christian school with Christian teachers would be a great asset
to a church ministry. He also told them that the Soul Winners'
Society would support them at $25 a month.
Many times George and Ada recalled words of wisdom from Dr. Guerrant.
He told them:
"If you are willing to go there and stay, even though you
see no results in your lifetime, even though you have hardships
and misunderstandings and opposition and are willing to let the
one who succeeds you reap the harvest, then go on. If you are
not willing for this, turn around and go back."
They decided to stay.
Construction
began on the first two buildings of Riverside Institute in 1906.
One was the parsonage for the Drushals (center of the photo)
and the other was used as a church sanctuary (upstairs) and classrooms
(downstairs). George Drushal designed and helped construct the
suspension bridge across Troublesome Creek.
(Photo courtesy of Riverside Christian School.)
Before long George was asked to be the regular teacher at the
small school in Lost Creek. As he accepted the offer, he also
felt the acceptance of Ada and himself in the community. In addition,
Ada found herself being a student. Women in the community were
helping her learn the meaning of "light bread," the
wonders of boneset tea, and the availability of wild "sallet."
Acceptance in the community brought about some new and unexpected
experiences for Ada. On one occasion she was asked to come to
a home where a child was very ill. Before she arrived the child
died, and she then realized that the family looked to her to
prepare the little boy for burial.
On another occasion she was called to a home where a mother was
expecting a child. Without any prior experience she found herself
in the role of midwife. Later she was told, "We all knew
that you had been to college, and what else is there to learn
in college if you don't learn to catch a baby?" The Drushals
took this in stride, as they had committed together their desire
to serve the people in any way, at any time.
As their outreach in the community grew, George and Ada felt
the need for land to establish a place for their ministry. They
approached "Uncle" Dan Cornett, who agreed to sell
them three acres of flat land on the west side of Troublesome
Creek for $150, with the understanding that his children would
receive their education free.
At this time the Home Mission Board of the Brethren Church agreed
to purchase the land and take over the sponsorship of the Drushals,
now at $50 a month. In the spring of 1906 the first two buildings
were under construction. One was a parsonage for the Drushals.
The other building had a two-fold purpose; the upstairs was a
large room to be used as a church sanctuary and as a chapel for
the students, along with classrooms downstairs in response to
much encouragement to start a school.
Neighbors helped George and Ada move their possessions across
Troublesome on a freight boat, and they began to make plans for
a dedication service. Dr. J. Allen Miller, president of Ashland
College, came to speak at the service and suggested the name
Riverside Institute. That name remained for 27 years.
Once the new school was open, the response in the community was
very gratifying. More and more students came, and there was a
growing high school enrollment. Even some young men and women
in their late teens who hadn't learned to read came.
Henry Noble, a merchant from Whick, convinced the Drushals to
let his boys come and stay upstairs in the parsonage and attend
school. He agreed to pay for their upkeep and schooling, and
thus George and Ada's home became a dormitory.
One of George Drushal's firm convictions was that it's the work
of the church to meet the needs of the people. Two real needs
in the Lost Creek area were transportation and communication.
George helped to initiate and was very much involved in several
projects. He designed and helped construct a suspension bridge
across Troublesome Creek. This was helpful to students and church
members. He and others in the community persuaded the railroad
to extend their line on through from Jackson to Hazard. He, along
with Walter Strong and Mize Landrum, formed the Lost Creek Telephone
Company, and they ran their own line from Lost Creek to Jackson
to connect there. George agreed to training that would qualify
him as a lineman and repairman.
However, another of his ventures to help the people had mixed
reactions. To take a stand against violence in the area, George
helped organize a "Law and Order Society." Although
many folks were appreciative for the improved law enforcement,
some objected to the interference in their moonshine business.
One Sunday morning service was momentarily interrupted when a
bullet fired through an open window hit the ceiling and fell
to the floor.
On another occasion George was called to his porch early one
morning and faced two men on horseback, each carrying a pistol.
He said, "Good morning, friends. What can I do to help you
today?" After a pause the men said they just stopped by
to say hello and left. Later George was told the men's mission
was to shoot him. After he called them friends and offered help,
they lost heart in their intent.
The church and school continued to grow. George and Ada sensed
the hunger to be taught by people beyond the limits of Lost Creek.
They, along with other teachers, established afternoon Sunday
Schools in several neighboring communities. This involved riding
their horse, Kentucky Belle, or a mule or walking. More land
was purchased from "Uncle" Dan Cornett and two dormitories
were built. For students who could not pay for their room and
board, the Drushals created a work program. Students were assigned
jobs as much help was needed in many areas. When people "up
north" sent "missionary barrels," community people
would bring in produce, chicken, berries, etc. in exchange for
used clothing or tuition for their children. Teachers at Riverside
were given $25 a month, room and board on the campus or in a
home in the community, and a good supply of used clothing. Later
the stipend was raised to $50.
One Riverside graduate, Hattie Cope, went on to be a missionary
in Africa. She later wrote, "I can still see him (George)
getting up early and going out to see about the cows, cleaning
out clogged-up sinks, etc.; all the menial things that should
not have been his to do, and he did them without complaint. Mrs.
Drushal, while she cheerfully did without, still made her home
a place of blessing to all who came, and there were many."
In 1927 Troublesome Creek, along with backwater from the North
Fork of the Kentucky River, flooded the campus. Everyone worked
feverishly to move, as much as possible, food and furnishings
to second floor levels. The Drushals then stayed upstairs in
their home safely, but two men came late in a john-boat to take
Ada to a home in the community to help deliver a baby. George
and their oldest son, Garber, carried her through the water to
the boat.
After the flood the church and school enjoyed a couple years
of prosperity. The high school received accreditation and the
enrollment climbed to 135. Many Riverside graduates were going
on to become teachers. Through the years others have become preachers,
lawyers, missionaries, businessmen, doctors, nurses, college
professors, and many have joined the military.
Then in the 1930s another flood came, not of water but of testing
of anxiety and of soul-searching. Since more public schools were
being built and were somewhat more accessible, the Home Mission
Board felt there was no longer a need for a school. They instructed
George to close the school and continue just the church work.
The Drushals, the teachers, and the community felt very strongly
that the school was a valuable asset to the church ministry and
to the Lost Creek area. George, not wanting to break his word
to their mountain neighbors, made several trips to Ashland to
plead for the school but to no avail. The case was taken to a
local court and received support there. However, when the Mission
Board went to the Court of Appeals in Kentucky the lower court
decision was reversed. Everyone packed to leave after the 1933
commencement.
Now, perhaps more than ever, George and Ada witnessed the independence
of the mountain people that had been related to them prior to
their coming. Two men, Arthur Haddix and Beech Davidson, offered
to donate two small tracts of land that they owned which were
adjacent to the school property. Here could be built a school
building out of logs. Much of the material for this building
was donated, and no local builder received pay for his labor.
The new building, which had classrooms downstairs and a chapel
upstairs, was rightfully called the Miracle Log Building. (There
is another whole story there.) A new corporation was formed and
chose the name Riverside Christian Training School.
Through the perseverance of the Drushals, the teachers, and the
community, the school continued there for several years. They
even maintained their accreditation. Then in 1940, when the interim
pastor in the original church left and some issues were settled
in the denomination, George and a committee of the school met
with the Mission Board. An agreement was reached. The Missionary
Board of the Brethren Church would continue as the owner of the
property and the school would return to its original place and
operate under an independent board.
George and Ada moved back into the original parsonage, and the
faithful teachers moved back on the campus. It was an exciting
time for them. Adah Irene, their daughter, returned from college
to join them and devoted nearly her entire life to the work of
Riverside. Their oldest son, Garber, furthered his education
and eventually became president of Wooster College in Ohio.
However, the future held two more tragedies for George and Ada.
In the early 1950s fire destroyed the parsonage, their home.
Some time later their second son, Gordon, died in Ohio from an
accidental asphyxiation. (Another son Milyard died in early childhood.)
Ada once wrote, "Sometimes we ask the question, would we
have started this work, had we known the dark days through which
we must pass? Yes, had we known all, that all including God's
miracle-working power to take blunders and barriers and make
them work together for good."
Riverside became widely-known throughout Kentucky and the Drushals
held true to their commitment to stay and to provide intellectual
and spiritual growth for all the young people who came seeking.
In 1955 there was a two-fold celebration. It was the 50th anniversary
of Riverside School and the 50th wedding anniversary of George
and Ada.
A year later George suffered a heart attack. He recovered and
continued to preach and teach for two more years. After a second
heart attack in December of 1958 he passed away at the age of
84.
Also in the 1950s two new, cement block buildings were constructed.
One became a new dormitory for boys and the other a parsonage.
One of the biggest undertakings of all was begun. With funds
donated by the E. O. Robinson Mountain Fund and raised by the
local Riverside Improvement Club and others, a new school building/gymnasium
was built. Adah Irene was appointed acting director for an interim
time. Now it was necessary to find a new president for the school
and pastor for the church. It seemed the Lord had been preparing
a young man to assume these responsibilities. Dr. Harold Barnett
had been born and reared in the Lost Creek area. He attended
school at Riverside and graduated in 1949. He also graduated
from Ashland College and the Theological Seminary (Ohio). He
then furthered his education at the University of Pittsburgh.
The Riverside Board of Directors asked Harold to come in George
Drushal's place. When Harold and his wife, Doris, moved to Riverside
in 1959 they were joined by my husband, Doran, and I, who, like
the Drushals, were newly-graduated from Ashland College and newly-
married. The campus and buildings were in sad shape, the Missionary
Board was considering selling the property, and enrollment had
dropped. Under the leadership of these two men, and the support
of the dedicated staff, renovation programs began. Several old
buildings were razed. Then with financial help from the E. O.
Robinson Fund, the Missionary Board, many churches, individuals,
and, as always, the community, new buildings were constructed.
With everyone working together Riverside rebuilt and has improved
its physical plant ever since.
Meanwhile, Adah Irene and her mother, Ada, after an interval
out west, returned to the work at Riverside. Adah taught in the
high school, held Sunday School in different homes up Fugate's
Fork, and, just importantly, was a loving care-giver for her
mother's declining years. Both of them were present and spoke
at the 1965 dedication of the newly-constructed church rightfully
named the Drushal Memorial Brethren Church. Ada went to be with
the Lord on December 29, 1975, at age 92. For years Adah continued
a loving outreach to the community especially playing the piano
at weddings and funerals.
For many years Harold was the administrator, taught in the high
school, and carried on mission work at Rowdy and Haddix. A gifted
soloist, he also made four long-playing records of sacred music.
The proceeds from the sale of the records went to help finance
the building of new faculty apartments at Riverside. Doris also
taught, assisted in the cafeteria, and, for a time, was the school
treasurer.
Enrollment climbed back to 120 and the staff numbered 15. Twenty-two
seniors graduated in 1966. New sports programs were begun and
a fine new athletic field became a reality. Young people were
still coming to stay in the dorms, but many were being transported
in daily on school busses.
Then an early morning fire during Christmas vacation in 1969
destroyed the boys' dorm and the Hostetlers' home. Fortunately,
no one was in the building or nearby. But the metal building
became like a furnace and everything inside was a total loss.
The Jackson Kiwanis Club raised $3400 toward a new dorm, and
the E. O. Robinson Mountain Fund assisted once again. It has
oft been said that trials can make one bitter or better. The
workers at Riverside Christian Training School have always chosen
the latter. Despite fires, floods (the worst is yet to come),
landslides and lack of funds, the dedicated teachers have persevered
to stay true to the calling they felt so clearly.
In the 1970s there were many events of interest. New classes
were added. A scholarship program was initiated for students
with limited resources. A traveling choir, consisting of students
from K-12 and some staff members, was formed and given the name
"The Lower Lights." For more than a decade they performed
locally and made a number of out-of-state trips. They were great
ambassadors for the school. For a U. S. Bicentennial project
a group of volunteers, teachers, and local men built on the campus
a log cabin. Nearly every phase of the construction was done
by hand, similar to the ways of the pioneers. It still stands
today and is used for various occasions.
Harold Barnett left the staff in 1975 to help start a Christian
college in Maryland. Doran Hostetler became the administrator
and continued the forward progress of the school and campus.
A major event was a new library addition to the school. Also
during this time the Jackson Kiwanis Club was sponsoring an annual
school fair. For several years Riverside entered a large float
in the parade and won first place. The first one carried the
message "Smile, God Loves You." The teachers and students
always felt the floats made a statement for them. The Kiwanis
Club chose Doran as their Citizen of the Year.
The next decade began with a happening memorable for many. Kent
Fishel from Fort Wayne, Indiana, came for a Spiritual Emphasis
Week. During this time many students made commitments and ten
were baptized. Soon the original church, built in 1906, was no
longer safe and was torn down. But in its place, and using some
of the same foundation, the alumni constructed a pavilion. Many
community folks enjoy using this for family reunions. A new gymnasium
floor was poured, once again made possible by E. O. Robinson
Fund.
The new gym floor was surely tested, as was most of the campus,
by the worst flood ever in 1984. Eight feet of muddy Troublesome
Creek flooded the gymnasium, some spilling over into classrooms.
Several teachers' homes had flood waters rushing in. Countless
school materials were destroyed and wet sheet rock and insulation
had to be ripped out and replaced. Losses were great but help
was greater. What an indescribable blessing it was to everyone
to feel the undergirding of the Lord and to experience the help
and prayer support of so many.
Perhaps this tragedy brought about a renewal of interest in Riverside
outside the area. Work groups, some with 20-30 people, began
coming, especially in the summer. Nearly all of them would bring
supplies and food with them. When the number of available beds
ran out, they would put down sleeping bags on the floor. A new
12-room addition was added to the main school building. This
made possible much needed new offices and restrooms and the elementary
department was moved to the new classrooms.
As administrator, Doran was responsible for the many facets of
ministry of Riverside. He was also teaching, driving a bus, and
coaching several sports. However, one of his greatest loves was
flowers. Every moment he could spare he was outside working with
other staff to beautify the campus with flowers, shrubs, sidewalks,
fences, even a gazebo, and more. Flowers bloomed under his tender,
loving care and so did young people. His athletic teams reached
new heights, and he helped to form the Three Rivers Conference
for other small schools to join together in several sports. Then
in January 2000, after 40 years of service, Doran passed away
suddenly and unexpectedly from a heart attack. One of the many
tributes his family received was "The Godly character Doran
exhibited in the competitive arena impacted more folks than he
was aware of. His legacy as teacher, administrator, coach, and
friend will be carried into the future."
At the helm now is Beverly Burroughs who served alongside Doran
for 30 years as elementary coordinator. Transition seldom comes
easy but those struggles are diminishing, especially so in the
light of an exciting approaching event. Plans are underway for
a Riverside Centennial Celebration to take place September 23-25,
2005, on the school's campus located on Highway 15, ten miles
south of Jackson in the community of Lost Creek. It is also of
special interest that Miss Adah Irene Drushal passed away this
year, bringing to a close 100 years of the Drushal family being
a part of the outreach of Riverside. Visitors are heartily welcomed
throughout the centennial weekend. Many special activities are
being planned.
Nancy Hostetler, Riverside Christian School, HWY 15, Lost Creek, KY 40385, shares this article with our readers. The information for this article was taken from the book Troublesome Creek by J. Garber Drushal and numerous other articles written by the Drushals and others which appeared in church publications.