Rev George Higgins was an Old Regular Baptist minister whose influence was felt not only in Eastern Kentucky, but in surrounding states as he traveled to spread the Gospel.  He was a gifted speaker, his skill in relating the truths of the bible matched by a wonderful  voice that captivated all who heard him.  He was recognized as a  respected leader in the black community.

Higgins founded the first black high school in the Knott, Letcher and Perry County area. The Higgins High School was located in Vicco. The high school was later moved to Liberty Street in Hazard, Ky. Knott County black students were then transported to Hazard.

Higgins joined the Old Regular Baptist church around 1911 and began preaching about a year later.  He was baptized by Elder  Noah Adams of the Little Home Church and ordained as a  minister in 1914.  Higgins succeeded Adams as moderator of that church, a position he held for around 50 years. He preached in every state where Old Regular Baptists were established-West Virginia,
Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan.  He traveled to churches on weekends, often by bus in those days a long and tiring journey. He loved to sing as well as preach.

Rev. Higgins had a special interest in young people.  He enjoyed talking with them and trying to impress upon them the importance of living the Christian life.  His sweet disposition and good sense of  humor made him very popular with youth.  he spoke often in schools, including Baccalaureate services.  Higgins did hot have a great deal  of formal education, but had much respect for learning was self-taught to the degree that those who met him believed him to be a very           
educated man.Higgins and his wife, Charity, had seven children. George supported his family as a salesman, which also gave him the opportunity to talk
to others about he Lord.  Three of his children and his wife preceded him in death.

One listener remembers, "He was an inspiration to me. When he preached at cemetery memorial services, his voice would echo in the hills. He would quote a Scripture and explain it so clearly anyone could understand. He truly was a man of God."

Corbett Mullins
May 2, 2003