Caney Baptist Church

Reverend Lawrence E. Baldridge has served as pastor of Caney Baptist since 1964

Lawrence E. Baldridge was born in Garrett, Kentucky, and graduated from Garrett High School.In 1955. He earned an associate’s degree from Caney Junior College, and was awarded a Caney Cottage Scholarshipto the University of Kentucky. There he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and later earned Master’s Degrees from the University of Louisville (Community Development), the University of Kentucky (Social Work), and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Divinity).

Since 1964, Lawrence has pastored Caney Baptist Church, setting an outstanding example of servant leadership. He helped to establish a community Kiwanis Club, Head Start Program, Senior Citizens Program, and the first ALC Baptist Student Union. Under his leadership, a beautiful new church facility was recently constructed in Pippa Passes.

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A respected educator, Lawrence has taught at  Alice Lloyd College, The June Buchanan School and Hazard Community College. In the 1960s, he was instrumental (through a Community Development program with the University of Louisville) in making it possible to earn a Master’s Degree on the ALC and Pikeville College campuses. During this time he also coordinated Robert F. Kennedy’s visit to Pippa Passes. More recently, he has served as Community Development Director during the construction of the Knott County Opportunity Center and the establishment of the School of Craft in Hindman, held numerous council positions for the Governor’s Office, and was a member of the L.K.L.P. Community Action Board and the Kentucky River Area Development District Board.

Lawrence has been involved with the North American Mission Board for more than 30 years. Mission work has taken him to Brazil, Mexico, and recently, his eighteenth trip to Romania. 

Here at home, Lawrence coordinates the summer activities of Baptist and Leader Trek groups who donate their time and efforts to construction and repair of area housing and church facilities, and provide summer programs for youth

Awards and recognitions Lawrence has received include Outstanding Young Man of America, Knott County Hall of Fame inductee, Kentucky Colonel, the Kentucky River Area Development District Leadership Award, the Kentucky Baptist Recognition of Service Award, and the Clovis Brantly Service Award of the Year for Service in the Community.

Lawrence was named Alice Lloyd College's 2011 Alumnus of the Year. His life of service and leadership exemplifies the teachings of Alice Lloyd, June Buchanan, and the Purpose Road Philosophy. Lawrence is quick to express his gratitude for the many opportunities each provided and remains a faithful ambassador for the College.

In addition to his pastoral duties, Lawrence enjoys golfing, teaching, writing poetry, and reading. His greatest joy in life is spending time with his wife, Martha, and their three children: Ruth, David, and Mary, and their families.