Ralph W. Beiting
Encyclopedia
Father Ralph W. Beiting, founder of the Christian Appalachian Project
and a Roman Catholic priest, was born and raised in northern Kentucky
. He began dreaming of helping people in Appalachia
help themselves out of poverty
in 1946 when, as a seminarian, he accompanied several priests on preaching trips to the mountains of eastern Kentucky
. The oldest of eleven children who grew up during the Great Depression
, Ralph Beiting was no stranger to need, but the soul-shattering poverty he observed in Appalachia planted the seeds of a vision that eventually became the Christian Appalachian Project.
After ordination
in 1949, Father Beiting was assigned to work as an assistant pastor in a northern Kentucky parish
and as a math teacher at Newport Catholic High School. He tells a story of a meeting with Bishop William Theodore Mulloy
one year after he began his work. "I had been working happily as an assistant pastor when the bishop asked to speak to me," he said.
At the meeting Father Beiting learned he had been selected to pastor a large portion of east central Kentucky
. He was elated despite the fact that there were no churches or rectories in the area. "On October 7, 1950," he said, "I found myself in Appalachia, pastor of a non-existent church in a parish the size of the state of Rhode Island
. I thought to myself, 'This has got to be some mistake.' If it was, it was the happiest mistake of my life."
As a seminarian Father Beiting learned that all people—not just Catholic people—were part of his ministry and in Appalachia he quickly found that for many of his people the greatest need was not spiritual, but physical. Discovering far more need than he could alleviate by himself, he called on his family and friends in northern Kentucky for help. In the early years, he frequently made trips to pick up food, clothing and household goods from his friends and family.
In 1957, he and his associate pastor, Father Herman Kamlage, pooled their small stipends and bought land on Herrington Lake in Garrard County, Kentucky
, to start a summer camp for boys. Named Cliffview Lodge, it was integrated
(during the days when segregation
was expected), and incorporated independently from the Catholic Diocese
of Covington. Cliffview offered recreation and fellowship in a Christian atmosphere to boys from poor families in the counties where Father Beiting ministered. The summer camp ministry was a success, and in 1964 Father Beiting gave a name to his growing ministry and declared it "would be a group that would roll up our sleeves and get the job done." The Christian Appalachian Project was started at this time and incorporated shortly thereafter. He served as CAP's president until 1986, then as a board member until September 1999 when he was honored as lifetime chairman emeritus of the board,having resigned as chairman of the board.
In 1972, Beiting decided to restore Camp Nelson, Kentucky. He spent 5 years revitalising the area. However, following a fire and severe storms, the Camp was abandoned as financially unsustainable.
From a young priest's determination that he would contribute more than asked of him, has grown one of the largest non-profit organizations in the eastern half of the United States. As problems in Appalachia continue to change, CAP continues to adapt to meet the needs and afford Appalachian people the same opportunities as those available to the rest of the American public.
Father Ralph Beiting served as the pastor of parishes in Garrard, Rockcastle
, Jackson
and southern Madison
counties in Kentucky until 1981. During those years he constructed churches and served families in each of those counties, then was transferred to parishes in the Big Sandy region
, where he built churches in Water Gap, Louisa and Hode. During his nearly 50 years in eastern Kentucky, Father Beiting has founded and/or constructed twenty churches.
Father Beiting has been recognized for his work at CAP and in eastern Kentucky by both religious and secular groups. In 1970, he was named a monsignor
by Pope Paul VI
, He served as dean of the Mountain Catholic Clergy from 1960 through 1978. Kentucky Governor Louie Nunn
recognized Father Beiting as an outstanding Kentuckian in 1969, and he was honored in 1996 by Governor Paul Patton
for his work in economic development
. His work as a volunteer has been recognized by the National Catholic Development Conference (The Good Samaritan Award in 1973), the National Center of Voluntary Action (The National Volunteer Award in 1971) and the Caring Institute (The Caring Award in 1990). He received the Meeker Award from Ottawa University
in Ottawa, Kansas
, in 1997; and the Lincoln Award from Northern Kentucky University
in 1998, which said, "This award represents a commitment to service, fidelity to noble causes and sense of turning challenges into opportunities." Father Beiting was featured in the PBS series The Visionaries in 1996. He was selected by the governor to represent Kentucky as a delegate for the 1997 Presidential Summit in Philadelphia. He was also the recipient of the Catholic University of America
Theological Colleges 1999 Alumnus Lifetime Service Award.
In addition, he has authored twelve inspirational books on Appalachia and its people. In the year 2000, Father Beiting celebrated fifty years of service to Appalachia. Father Beiting is a graduate of St. Gregory Minor Seminary in Mount Washington, Ohio, St. Mary's Seminary
in Norwood, Ohio
, and the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
Christian Appalachian Project
The Christian Appalachian Project is an interdenominational, non-profit Christian organization committed to serving people in need in Appalachia by providing physical, spiritual and emotional support through a wide variety of programs and services....
and a Roman Catholic priest, was born and raised in northern Kentucky
Northern Kentucky
Northern Kentucky is the name often given to the northernmost counties in Kentucky...
. He began dreaming of helping people in Appalachia
Appalachia
Appalachia is a term used to describe a cultural region in the eastern United States that stretches from the Southern Tier of New York state to northern Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. While the Appalachian Mountains stretch from Belle Isle in Canada to Cheaha Mountain in the U.S...
help themselves out of poverty
Poverty
Poverty is the lack of a certain amount of material possessions or money. Absolute poverty or destitution is inability to afford basic human needs, which commonly includes clean and fresh water, nutrition, health care, education, clothing and shelter. About 1.7 billion people are estimated to live...
in 1946 when, as a seminarian, he accompanied several priests on preaching trips to the mountains of eastern Kentucky
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
. The oldest of eleven children who grew up during the Great Depression
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
, Ralph Beiting was no stranger to need, but the soul-shattering poverty he observed in Appalachia planted the seeds of a vision that eventually became the Christian Appalachian Project.
After ordination
Ordination
In general religious use, ordination is the process by which individuals are consecrated, that is, set apart as clergy to perform various religious rites and ceremonies. The process and ceremonies of ordination itself varies by religion and denomination. One who is in preparation for, or who is...
in 1949, Father Beiting was assigned to work as an assistant pastor in a northern Kentucky parish
Parish
A parish is a territorial unit historically under the pastoral care and clerical jurisdiction of one parish priest, who might be assisted in his pastoral duties by a curate or curates - also priests but not the parish priest - from a more or less central parish church with its associated organization...
and as a math teacher at Newport Catholic High School. He tells a story of a meeting with Bishop William Theodore Mulloy
William Theodore Mulloy
William Theodore Mulloy was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Covington from 1945 until his death in 1959.-Biography:...
one year after he began his work. "I had been working happily as an assistant pastor when the bishop asked to speak to me," he said.
At the meeting Father Beiting learned he had been selected to pastor a large portion of east central Kentucky
Central Kentucky
Central Kentucky is sometimes considered the Central and Southern part of the Bluegrass region, the Far Upper Western Eastern Mountain Coal Fields, and the Far Upper Eastern Pennyroyal regions. Its major cities include Lexington and Frankfort. Lexington citizens, especially radio and TV stations...
. He was elated despite the fact that there were no churches or rectories in the area. "On October 7, 1950," he said, "I found myself in Appalachia, pastor of a non-existent church in a parish the size of the state of Rhode Island
Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
. I thought to myself, 'This has got to be some mistake.' If it was, it was the happiest mistake of my life."
As a seminarian Father Beiting learned that all people—not just Catholic people—were part of his ministry and in Appalachia he quickly found that for many of his people the greatest need was not spiritual, but physical. Discovering far more need than he could alleviate by himself, he called on his family and friends in northern Kentucky for help. In the early years, he frequently made trips to pick up food, clothing and household goods from his friends and family.
In 1957, he and his associate pastor, Father Herman Kamlage, pooled their small stipends and bought land on Herrington Lake in Garrard County, Kentucky
Garrard County, Kentucky
Garrard County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. It is pronounced 'Gair-ad' with the third "r" silent. It was formed in 1797 and was named for James Garrard, Governor of Kentucky from 1796 to 1804. Its county seat is Lancaster. The population was 16,912 in the 2010 Census...
, to start a summer camp for boys. Named Cliffview Lodge, it was integrated
Racial integration
Racial integration, or simply integration includes desegregation . In addition to desegregation, integration includes goals such as leveling barriers to association, creating equal opportunity regardless of race, and the development of a culture that draws on diverse traditions, rather than merely...
(during the days when segregation
Racial segregation
Racial segregation is the separation of humans into racial groups in daily life. It may apply to activities such as eating in a restaurant, drinking from a water fountain, using a public toilet, attending school, going to the movies, or in the rental or purchase of a home...
was expected), and incorporated independently from the Catholic Diocese
Diocese
A diocese is the district or see under the supervision of a bishop. It is divided into parishes.An archdiocese is more significant than a diocese. An archdiocese is presided over by an archbishop whose see may have or had importance due to size or historical significance...
of Covington. Cliffview offered recreation and fellowship in a Christian atmosphere to boys from poor families in the counties where Father Beiting ministered. The summer camp ministry was a success, and in 1964 Father Beiting gave a name to his growing ministry and declared it "would be a group that would roll up our sleeves and get the job done." The Christian Appalachian Project was started at this time and incorporated shortly thereafter. He served as CAP's president until 1986, then as a board member until September 1999 when he was honored as lifetime chairman emeritus of the board,having resigned as chairman of the board.
In 1972, Beiting decided to restore Camp Nelson, Kentucky. He spent 5 years revitalising the area. However, following a fire and severe storms, the Camp was abandoned as financially unsustainable.
From a young priest's determination that he would contribute more than asked of him, has grown one of the largest non-profit organizations in the eastern half of the United States. As problems in Appalachia continue to change, CAP continues to adapt to meet the needs and afford Appalachian people the same opportunities as those available to the rest of the American public.
Father Ralph Beiting served as the pastor of parishes in Garrard, Rockcastle
Rockcastle County, Kentucky
Rockcastle County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of 2000, the population was 16,582. Its county seat is Mt. Vernon. The county is named for the Rockcastle River which runs through it...
, Jackson
Jackson County, Kentucky
Jackson County is a county located in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. It was formed in 1858 and was named for President Andrew Jackson. As of 2000, the population was 13,495. Its county seat is McKee. It is a prohibition or dry county...
and southern Madison
Madison County, Kentucky
Madison County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of 2008, the population was 82,192. Its county seat is Richmond. The county is named for Virginia statesman James Madison, who later became the fourth President of the United States. This is also where famous pioneer Daniel...
counties in Kentucky until 1981. During those years he constructed churches and served families in each of those counties, then was transferred to parishes in the Big Sandy region
Big Sandy River (Ohio River)
The Big Sandy River is a tributary of the Ohio River, approximately long, in western West Virginia and northeastern Kentucky in the United States. The river forms part of the boundary between the two states along its entire course...
, where he built churches in Water Gap, Louisa and Hode. During his nearly 50 years in eastern Kentucky, Father Beiting has founded and/or constructed twenty churches.
Father Beiting has been recognized for his work at CAP and in eastern Kentucky by both religious and secular groups. In 1970, he was named a monsignor
Monsignor
Monsignor, pl. monsignori, is the form of address for those members of the clergy of the Catholic Church holding certain ecclesiastical honorific titles. Monsignor is the apocopic form of the Italian monsignore, from the French mon seigneur, meaning "my lord"...
by Pope Paul VI
Pope Paul VI
Paul VI , born Giovanni Battista Enrico Antonio Maria Montini , reigned as Pope of the Catholic Church from 21 June 1963 until his death on 6 August 1978. Succeeding Pope John XXIII, who had convened the Second Vatican Council, he decided to continue it...
, He served as dean of the Mountain Catholic Clergy from 1960 through 1978. Kentucky Governor Louie Nunn
Louie B. Nunn
Louie Broady Nunn was the 52nd governor of Kentucky. Elected in 1967, he was the first Republican elected to that office since Simeon Willis in 1943 and the last to hold it until the election of Ernie Fletcher in 2003....
recognized Father Beiting as an outstanding Kentuckian in 1969, and he was honored in 1996 by Governor Paul Patton
Paul E. Patton
Paul Edward Patton was the 59th governor of Kentucky, serving from 1995 to 2003. Because of a 1992 amendment to the Kentucky Constitution, he was the first governor eligible to succeed himself in office since James Garrard in 1800...
for his work in economic development
Economic development
Economic development generally refers to the sustained, concerted actions of policymakers and communities that promote the standard of living and economic health of a specific area...
. His work as a volunteer has been recognized by the National Catholic Development Conference (The Good Samaritan Award in 1973), the National Center of Voluntary Action (The National Volunteer Award in 1971) and the Caring Institute (The Caring Award in 1990). He received the Meeker Award from Ottawa University
Ottawa University
Ottawa University is a private, non-profit, faith-based liberal arts college located in Ottawa, Kansas. It was founded in 1865 and is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA...
in Ottawa, Kansas
Ottawa, Kansas
Ottawa is a city situated along the Marais des Cygnes River in the central part of Franklin County, located in east-central Kansas, 50 miles southwest of Kansas City, Mo., in the central United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 12,649. It is the county seat and most populous...
, in 1997; and the Lincoln Award from Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University
|type = Public|president= Dr. James C. Votruba|city = Highland Heights|state = KY|country = U.S.|endowment = $68 million|students = 15,405|undergrad = 13,206|postgrad = 2,199|faculty = 1,159...
in 1998, which said, "This award represents a commitment to service, fidelity to noble causes and sense of turning challenges into opportunities." Father Beiting was featured in the PBS series The Visionaries in 1996. He was selected by the governor to represent Kentucky as a delegate for the 1997 Presidential Summit in Philadelphia. He was also the recipient of the Catholic University of America
The Catholic University of America
The Catholic University of America is a private university located in Washington, D.C. in the United States. It is a pontifical university of the Catholic Church in the United States and the only institution of higher education founded by the U.S. Catholic bishops...
Theological Colleges 1999 Alumnus Lifetime Service Award.
In addition, he has authored twelve inspirational books on Appalachia and its people. In the year 2000, Father Beiting celebrated fifty years of service to Appalachia. Father Beiting is a graduate of St. Gregory Minor Seminary in Mount Washington, Ohio, St. Mary's Seminary
Athenaeum of Ohio
The Athenaeum of Ohio – Mount St. Mary's Seminary of the West, originally St. Francis Xavier Seminary, is the third-oldest Roman Catholic seminary in the United States and is currently located at 6616 Beechmont Avenue in the Cincinnati, Ohio neighborhood of Mt. Washington, in the former Saint...
in Norwood, Ohio
Norwood, Ohio
Norwood is the second most populous city in Hamilton County, Ohio, United States. The city is an enclave of the larger city of Cincinnati. The population was 21,675 at the 2000 census. Originally settled as an early suburb of Cincinnati in the wooded countryside north of the city, the area is...
, and the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.