REV. CHARLES E. KIRBY
The Reverend Charles Edward Kirby, married to Sis. Bettye Kirby, was born on August 5, 1928, in Cadiz, Kentucky. Rev. Kirby set out on a mission toward a vision that was placed in his heart by God. In 1955, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Rev. Kirby and four dedicated supporters established a mission. They worshiped at the Quartet Union Hall at 420 South Seventh Street. One month later, the mission moved to a storefront building at 723 West Oak Street.
Rev. Kirby’s vision of what God wanted him to do became clear, compelling, and challenging. He acquired the support of three of God’s men whose leadership was instrumental in the organization of Southern Star Missionary Baptist Church.
Through Pastor Kirby’s leadership, with God’s message in his heart, the membership increased, and the church relocated to 1700 Prentice Street, another storefront-type building. Exactly four months later, with a membership of 34, God blessed the congregation with their first dedicated church building at 1509 Magazine Street.
Southern Star Baptist Church was recognized as a “trailblazer” within the community. In 1956, it became the first church to broadcast live on WLOU Radio Station. Under Pastor Kirby’s leadership, Southern Star was also involved in the Civil Rights Movement. Pastor Kirby opened the doors for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s marches that occurred in the city of Louisville. In later years, Rev. Kirby became President of the Kentucky Southern Christian Leadership Conference (S.C.L.C.). Southern Star also housed the Martin Luther King Free Food Store, which was founded by Pastor Kirby.
Rev. Kirby was among some 10,000 citizens from across Kentucky that demonstrated at the State Capital for a statewide Public Accommodation Bill. While he was President of the Kentucky Southern Christian Leadership Conference, he held a number of demonstrations against businesses to stop investments in South Africa. In 1967, there were open housing marches in Louisville. Rev. Kirby, along with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rev. W. J. Hodge, Rev. Leo Lessor, and other community leaders, marched night after night into white neighborhoods. As a result of Rev. Kirby’s effort and the efforts of others, the Kentucky Fair Housing Act was passed.
Awards and Accomplishments:
1972 – Founded the Martin Luther King Food Store
August 1975 – Chapter of the Year Award, S.C.L.C.
January 1976 – Leadership Award for Reorganizing and Revitalizing Kentucky Chapter of S.C.L.C.
1976 – Awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree, Simmons College
May 1976 – Recognized by Louisville and Jefferson County for feeding thousands of people citywide
1984 – Louisville Deacon Fellowship Pastor of the Year
1984 – Outstanding Community Service Award
April 1990 – Delahaney Tucker and Shobe Human Rights Award
1999 – Community Partnership for Protecting Children Award of Excellence
December 1999 – Champions for Children Award, Jefferson County Public Schools
February 2000 – Martin Luther King First Annual Dream Award
March 2000 – Induction into the Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame
August 2004 – C. E. Kirby Multipurpose Center of Excellence Grand Opening
January 2006 – W. J. Hodge Leadership Award, Interdenominational Ministerial Coalition