Remembering Lawrence Kirby: Bishop from Wisconsin's oldest black church dies at 73

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A longtime Racine pastor is being remembered for a ministry that reached far beyond the church walls.

On Friday, Aug. 14, the St. Paul Baptist Missionary Church announced the death of Bishop Lawrence Kirby. He was 73.

There are some voices you never forget, and some laughs you'll hold close forever.

“He would talk to everyone. Anyone," Quashana Foster who was mentored by Bishop Kirby. “He’s a beautiful person. He’s a beautiful person. You had to know him. He was happy and fun, always laughing.”

Bishop Kirby spent 45 years serving at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.

“He was the community’s pastor. He was the world’s pastor," said Foster.

HIs ministry was never measured by the walls around it.

“The work of the Lord isn’t just inside a church house or house of prayer. But it’s around the world," said Foster.

For some people, like Demetria Thomas, Bishop Kirby's generosity changed her life.

“It was Bishop Kirby’s scholarship that got me into school my first semester. At the time, my family was going through some financial woes," said Thomas.

Thomas says Kirby's faith was rooted in action.

"He always helped young people with school or just anything really," said Thomas.

On August 1, Kirby turned 73. Just 13 days later, St Paul Baptist Missionary announced Kirby had died. A service will be held at the church on Sunday.

“I was completely shocked. Completely shocked," said Thomas.

Those closest to Kirby say they’ll remember his life of faith and service and continue to carry it forward.

“He’s always with us," said Foster.