Kenneth W. Kirby delivered his first lesson from the pulpit at the young age of 17. The age when most young boys are interested in cars and girls, not necessarily planning sermons.
“I was a very anti-church person who hoped to one day become a singer, but was converted at 16 while attending a revival,” said Kirby. “I had never read the Bible, but I feel I received a special calling as to what I needed to do.”
Kirby’s first sermon was delivered July 9, 1958 in White County, with this month marking his 60th year of preaching the gospel.
“I have 60 years of sermons filed away in many boxes,” said Kirby. “Sometimes I do go back and make a few adjustments and use one again. You have to remember, no two sermons are alike, and I think that’s amazing.”
He married the love of his life, Sephfronia Johnson in 1962 and moved to Warren County that same year. His purpose was to minister to the First Free Will Baptist Church on Red Road, staying there over seven years. He preached in numerous states until 1973 when they returned to Warren County to stay. They are parents to Michelle Hill and Valerie Hobbs, have four grandchildren and one great-grandson.
The Kirby’s have been with Victory Free Will Baptist on Highway 8 since its organization in 1979.
“It’s a wonderful congregation. We may be small, but we are full of love,” said Kirby. “This congregation has been a great experience for me and my family.”
Service times on Sunday are class at 9:45 a.m. and sermons at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., with Wednesday Bible study at 7 p.m. Kirby encourages anyone interested to come for a visit at any time.
When the topic of retirement comes up, it’s not something on Kirby’s mind, or something discussed too often.
“We have talked about retiring, but I cannot really accept that would be the right thing,” said Kirby. “I did try it sometime back, but the church committee asked me if I was happy with my decision, and I answered with one word, no. So my thought is that I will just let the Lord lead me.”
A special celebration was held earlier this month, with longtime friend and mentor David L. England delivering the message.
“He is such a wonderful person,” said Kirby. “He just celebrated his 70th year as a pastor, and I was so happy he could join us.”
Kirby says he doesn’t have any hobbies, but the closest he has is the love for his back-to-back truck completed in 2005. The unique vehicle is actually two trucks miraculously combined to make one. He and a friend took a 1984 Chevy truck and a 1984 GMC and worked over 4 months to complete the transformation.
“It’s such a fun vehicle,” said Kirby. “I got my inspiration for it over 50 years ago when I saw one in an automotive magazine, and knew it was something I would enjoy.”
After talking with Kirby for just a few minutes, it’s obvious he loves life and has a positive outlook and disposition.
“I’m a people person who wants to help others,” said Kirby. “My greatest challenge has and will continue to basically reach as many people as I can both spiritually and emotionally through the gospel.”
