Winchester, Kentucky, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Clark County Public Schools held a dedication ceremony for Reverend Henry E. Baker Court at Baker Intermediate School. The gym floor is named to honor Baker’s significant contributions to civil rights and education. Family members and school officials attended the celebration, emphasizing Baker’s legacy as a pastor, city commissioner, and civil rights leader. His signature from his marriage certificate will feature on the gym floor, instilling his legacy in the community.
Winchester, Kentucky – Clark County Public Schools celebrated the life and legacy of Reverend Henry E. Baker, Sr. on August 12, 2025, by dedicating the gym floor of Baker Intermediate School, located at 1645 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, to his honor. The gym will now be known as Reverend Henry E. Baker Court.
The ceremony was attended by several generations of Reverend Baker’s family, including his children, and was marked by recognition of his extensive contributions to the community and the civil rights movement. With participation from Clark County Public Schools Superintendent Dustin Howard and various school board members, the event underscored Baker’s significant role in Winchester’s history.
Principal Josh Mounts emphasized the school’s commitment to educating students about Reverend Baker’s impactful life, which included his pivotal contributions as a civil rights leader, pastor, and city commissioner. Reverend Baker’s dedication to social justice was particularly highlighted during the event, reflecting his legacy in the community.
Reverend Baker, who lived from 1922 until his passing in 2014, represented a beacon of hope and a figure of courage in the fight for equality. He served as pastor of Broadway Baptist Church from 1955 until 1993, where he became a central figure in Winchester’s religious and social fabric. His leadership was instrumental in desegregating the schools in Winchester in 1956, when he served as the chair of the Winchester Human Rights Commission. Moreover, Reverend Baker made history in 1979 when he became the first African American elected to public office in Winchester, taking on the role of city commissioner.
In addition to his pioneering political achievements, Baker served as Vice Mayor from 1980 to 1984, further demonstrating his commitment to local governance. His contributions earned him a place in the Kentucky Human Rights Commission Civil Rights Hall of Fame, a testament to his unwavering dedication to civil rights and community service. Notably, Reverend Baker was also a World War II veteran, who used his experiences to advocate for rights within his community.
He was devoted to his family, being a father to eight children and married for nearly seventy years. In honoring his father, William Baker spoke of Reverend Baker’s lifelong commitment to creating opportunities for those in need and expressed gratitude to the community, the school board, and all attendees for their recognition of his father’s legacy.
The gym floor features a copy of Reverend Baker’s actual signature, taken from his marriage certificate, providing a personal touch to the tribute. The dedication of this space serves as a continuous reminder of Reverend Baker’s invaluable contributions and the importance of civil rights in the ongoing struggle for equality in education and community life.
Reverend Henry E. Baker’s Legacy
- Positions Held: Pastor, City Commissioner, Vice Mayor.
- Desegregation Work: Chaired Winchester Human Rights Commission, essential in the desegregation of schools in 1956.
- Recognition: Inducted into Kentucky Human Rights Commission Civil Rights Hall of Fame.
- Family: Father to eight children, married for nearly seventy years.
Details of the Naming Ceremony
- Date: August 12, 2025.
- Location: Baker Intermediate School, 1645 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Winchester.
- Attendees: Family members, Clark County Public Schools officials, community members.
- Special Feature: The court features a replica of Reverend Baker’s signature from his marriage certificate.
Conclusion
The naming ceremony for Reverend Henry E. Baker Court at Baker Intermediate School stands as a testament to the enduring influence of Reverend Baker in the Winchester community. His commitment to civil rights and education continues to inspire current and future generations.
FAQ
What was the purpose of the ceremony held at Baker Intermediate School?
The ceremony was held to honor Reverend Henry E. Baker, Sr. by dedicating the gym floor as Reverend Henry E. Baker Court, recognizing his significant contributions to the community and civil rights.
What years did Reverend Baker serve as pastor of Broadway Baptist Church?
Reverend Baker served as pastor from 1955 to 1993, guiding his congregation for 38 years.
What are some of Reverend Baker’s notable achievements?
Reverend Baker was a civil rights leader, a World War II veteran, and the first African American elected as city commissioner in Winchester. He worked on desegregating schools and was inducted into the Kentucky Human Rights Commission Civil Rights Hall of Fame.
What special feature is included in the gym floor dedication?
The gym floor features a copy of Reverend Baker’s actual signature from his marriage certificate, adding a personal element to the tribute.
How many children did Reverend Baker have?
Reverend Baker was a father to eight children.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dedication | The gym floor is named Reverend Henry E. Baker Court. |
| Date of Ceremony | August 12, 2025. |
| Location | Baker Intermediate School, 1645 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Winchester. |
| Significance | Honoring Reverend Baker’s contributions to civil rights and education. |
| Legacy | First African American city commissioner in Winchester. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Scobee Funeral Home: James Allen Baker
- Winchester Star: Martha Baker
- Legacy: Stuart Baker Obituary
- Tennessean: Derrick Jackson Christmas Parade
- Wikipedia: Civil Rights Movement
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