Kentucky Baptist Convention

A statewide organization of Baptists has been in existence since 1832, when the Kentucky Baptist State Convention was organized in Bardstown, Kentucky. This convention met in yearly sessions until 1837, when a new organization, the General Association of Baptists in Kentucky, was formed. The name was changed to the Kentucky Baptist Convention in 1960 - 1961. It has been the central organization for Kentucky Baptist churches since 1837.

The purpose of the convention was to promote state, local, and foreign missions as well as the distribution of the Bible and other scriptural literature. It also encouraged sunday schools and other academic and theological institutions. Other priorities included sponsoring benevolent organizations and preserving denominational history. Although it did not have jurisdiction over church associations and local churches, the Kentucky Baptist Convention provided a forum for Kentucky Baptists to promote their denominations and provided consolidated support for their endeavors. The administrative tasks of the convention are performed by its board of managers. Some of the notable leaders of the Kentucky Baptist Convention include William Calmes Buck, George Waller, John Lightfoot Waller, James Madison Pendleton, Harold Sanders, and Dr. Franklin Owens.