Courage. Perseverance. Faith.

These are words that describe those who set out in 1921 to establish a Christian school in the heart of Appalachia. Elizabeth E. O'Connor started with a one-room elementary school for the local mountain children of a small section of Breathitt County in eastern Kentucky. As a mission of the Free Methodist Church of North America, Oakdale was nationally known as an important outreach to this rugged area.

In those days, the campus was accessible only by foot. A creek bed was the primary passageway. The next 30 years would see a railroad running past campus, and then Highway 52. Anderson Hall, O'Connor Hall, and Rhodes Hall were built during those years.

From the mid 1950s until 1980, Oakdale continued its valued service to not only local children, but to youth from across the United States. Oakdale typically enrolls students now from 12-15 states and 2-4 foreign countries.

Although made independent by the Free Methodist Church in 1968, Oakdale chose to continue to reflect the ideals of the evangelical, Christian foundation, and continue an intentional alignment with its founding denomination.

The ending of the direct involvement and support of the Free Methodist denomination created a period of financial instability. In effect, Oakdale became once again a fledgling institution, facing many of the challenges common to a new organization.

As always, the staff is to be given credit for Oakdale remaining a viable ministry during those years. They worked for meager wages, giving their all to the work of Oakdale. Throughout all the difficulties, the ministry of Oakdale remained vibrant.

In 1987, Oakdale reached another crossroads. Years of declining enrollment and a deteriorating physical plant placed the institution at peril. Financially, it looked as though Oakdale was no longer a viable ministry. Again, the issue of closing the institution was visited. In an impassioned plea, longtime Oakdale administrator C. E. Odermann implored the board to keep the school open, because "God wasn't done with Oakdale yet."

In 1991, Oakdale hired Doug Newton as president, bringing fresh enthusiasm and a vision for an expanding ministry. From 1991 to 1996, Newton increased the visibility of Oakdale by speaking at college campuses, churches, and campgrounds. He founded Character Quest as an outreach ministry based on the character-building principles that are among the foundations of Oakdale's effectiveness. Under his leadership, a major renovation was started on Anderson Hall, a multipurpose building that had symbolic as well as practical importance. Other campus improvements were made. Enrollment reached healthy levels and the support base grew as individuals saw evidence of a renewed Oakdale ministry. Newton also assembled a highly professional staff.

In 1996, Newton accepted the directorship of Light & Life Communications with the Free Methodist Church denomination. But campus renewal had begun.

Dr. Dale Bidwell was appointed president in 1996 to continue Oakdale's newfound advancements. Building on the past successes of his predecessors, Bidwell led Oakdale to new heights of excellence, including the successful completion of the New Day 2000 Campaign. Diagnosed in 2000 with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, Dr. Bidwell took a leave of absence, eventually retiring later in the year. In 2002, Dr. Bidwell left his earthly home, leaving behind a great legacy of love for the Oakdale ministry.

In 2000, Daniel Fisher was appointed acting president, and in 2001 was made president of Oakdale Christian Academy.

In 2002, Oakdale received full, seven-year accreditation with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), verifying the excellence of Oakdale’s academic and residential programs, as well as its organizational structure and management.

In 2005, Oakdale completed the funding and construction of the Beacon Center, a million dollar classroom and gymnasium building.

Since its founding, Oakdale has served students regardless of their families’ income. In the early years, this sometimes meant a barter system with local families, in which produce and livestock were given as tuition payment. In the present, families are asked to pay an amount appropriate to their income level that still represents a commitment to the opportunity.

Oakdale is an institution of distinction and purpose. Its mission must be preserved. Much of American culture today no longer teaches character, encourages excellence, or upholds the Christian faith and values, giving teenagers little purpose or direction. There are pressures and influences on this generation that were almost unheard of until recent years.

The ministry of Oakdale Christian Academy is therefore becoming more relevant than ever. Oakdale endeavors to make preparations today that will set the stage for continued service to young people in Appalachia and across the United States.