Rev. Dennis Cline's years of selfless service to Knott County gave a shining example of God's love to all who knew him--but especially to children, with whom he had a special bond.                                    

Dennis Cline was born April 17, 1915.  His earliest years were spent in Wise, Virginia, before his family moved to Knott County and he enrolled in elementary school at Carr Creek, where his mother, Elizabeth Cline, was a dorm mother.  Cline attended Vicco High School, and was a forward on the first five of the first basketball  team coached by Pearl Combs.                                                       

Dennis met his wife. Leo in highs cool and they married in 1939.Cline's first opportunity to serve was in the U.S. Army in World  War II.  When the draft was instated in 1940, requiring a year of  duty for young men, cline did not wait to be summoned.  He was the first volunteer in Knott County, and was given he "keys to the city" of Hindman. The attack on Pearl Harbor extended Dennis' year in service to five years.  He attained the rank of staff sergeant and had been     recommended for the rank of master sergeant at the time of  his release.

Back home in Kentucky, he began work for Kentucky Power Company. After giving his life to the Lord in 1951, Dennis wanted a greater understanding of God's word, and so he enrolled at Southland Bible Institute for one year, then finished his studies ant Washington Bible college in Washington, D.C. (In 1968, Cline was chosen Alumnus of the Year at the College).

Early in their ministry, Dennis and Leo realized what an important  mission it was to share the love of God with children.  While in Washington, the Clines worked with young people in the church they attended.

During summer breaks from school, Dennis helped at Scripture Memory Mountain Mission's Camp Nathaniel, working with founder Garland Franklin, In his last month of college, he and his wife both felt call of God to return home to the mountains to serve the Lord. Dennis and Leo began visiting grade schools in Kentucky with the gospel message in 1956 and working with Scripture Memory Mountains Mission.  Through the years, Dennis served in every capacity at 'camp Nathaniel. He was camp director for 21 years.  On Sundays, the Clines assisted two ladies of the mission, Annie Rathbun and Gladys Hall, with a Sunday School.                                                                            

By 1966, the adults involved with the little Sunday School wanted to organize into a church.  Dennis drew up a doctrinal statement and the church called him as pastor.  He served as pastor of Little Carr Bible Church until 1974. Even after he retired from duties as full-time pastor, Little Carr Bible church, as well as Scripture Memory Mountain Mission, occupied much of his time and his heart.

Other aspects of Cline's ministry included radio programs, involvementin the Knott County Ministerial Association, membership on the board of Scripture Memory Mountain Mission, transporting children in a van mystery to both church and camp, and participation at area schools through  Camp Nathaniel's high school ministry. Dennis touched the lives of countless young people in Eastern Kentucky.

In a letter written after Cline's death  missionary Bill Shade captures his special personality. "Dennis was unique," he said. "In that sweet, gentle servant-spirit mixed with anentusiasm that evidenced the fullness of God's Spirit living through his life, Dennis was always transparently himself. We will never forget him, and his life will always be an encouragement to us to press on in the service of Jesus Christ."    Dennis Cline died of lung cancer at Hazard RAH on July 17, 1982

Corbett Mullins
May 21, 2003