Archie Everage was born on Montgromery Creek in Knott county on June 12, 1928. He attended local schools
and during World War II joined the U. S. Army and served his tour of duty in Japan. After discharged from the army,
Archie returned to Knott coutny and resumed his courtship with Evelee Combs, also a Knott County girl. They were married
on March 5, 1947.
In 1949 with Evelee 's prompting, Archie attended a revival being conducted by Reverend Percy Ray at the Hindman Baptist Church. Two weeks later he returned
to Hindman Baptist Church and accepted Christ under the influential preaching of the pastor Reverend J. S. Bell.
Evelee had accepted Christ as a child but was never baptized until Christmas night in 1949 along with Archie and her mother Otis Mae.
Archie entered into the new faith with zeal and enthusiasm and soon was serving as a Sunday School
teacher, song leader, Royal Ambassador leader, and eventually a Deacon.
Archie was reared in an Old Regular Baptist belief and the Missionary Batptist belief. History has certainly proven that Brother Bell's confidence was well
placed.
In 1952 Archie returned to the creek where he was born to start a Sunday School mission. Assisted
by Charlie Young and Hiram Taylor, both of whom were elder Deacons in the Hindman Baptist Church, held Sunday School in a
one-room schoolhouse located near the head of the creek. By the end of six weeks there were 135 people in attendance!
On Monday, February 18, 1957, the Montgomery Mission from Hindman Baptist Church was organized into Montgomery
Baptist Church. There were approximately 40 charter members. The church was meeting in a small schoolhouse; however,
increased attendance demanded that larger facilities be found. Land available adjacent to the schoolhouse was purchased. with a donation from the
State Mission Board and local contributors, a basement for the Church was completed. Worship services were conducted
in the basement until the auditorium was completed. Archie's ministry continued to flourish. He became more deeply
involved in evangelism.
On June 13, 1972, the Churh was destroyed by fire. Fortunately, in 1969 the church had purchased a
fifty-acre tract of land at Carrie, KY for tentative use in the youth work. The land had been partially cleared
and an open air shelter had been constructed. Under Archie and Evelee's leadership and direction, work began immediately
to enclose the shelter. Services were held there until the new church was constructed on the site. Archie
and Evelee put many long hours into the planning and supervision of the building of that Church. On Easter Sunday, April
1974, the first church service was conducted in the new building.
Archie's ministry has certainly been unique, not only due to the fact that it has been so far reaching,
but also because it has crossed all cultural barriers. Archie has preached with all denominations. Many people feel that one of the highlights of Archie's ministry was
his preaching of Congressman Carl D. Perkins'
funeral before a crowd of 5,000 people, including senators and congressmen from all over the nation. He sat on
the stage with such notables as Senator Ted Kennedy, Speaker of the House, Tip O'neal, and Congressman Natcher. But
he preached in the same Gospel which he had preached to funerals with less than ten people in attendance. Congressman
Carroll Hubbard later stated in a phone call to Archie, that he was never more proud to be a Southern Baptist. It would be impossible to enumerate the many accomplishments
Of Archie and Evelee's ministry.
It is not possible to number the souls which they have helped bring to Christ, the weddings, the funerals,
and the various times of Joy and Sorrow during which they have shared themselves with the community.
With each challenge we have encountered, we became stronger in our faith.
We invite you to become
a part of the church today and a piece of its history tomorrow.
