The name of Kenneth Bates is not one soon forgotten by the community, but now it will live on forever after a dedication ceremony was held Friday afternoon to rename the Second Street Community Center to the Kenneth A. Bates Community Center.
A large crowd was on hand for the occasion, to honor and celebrate the legacy of a man who entertained and advocated the community for many, many years, whether that be on the radio for his gospel show, or as a Fiscal Court Magistrate. Hopkinsville Mayor J.R. Knight says Bates was a jewel in the city, and he is and will be dearly missed.
Christian County Judge-Executive Jerry Gilliam says you could always count on Bates to have wisdom and advice on almost any subject, and he was truly a humble servant of the community.
Magistrate Magaline Ferguson thanked Bates for his courage to be a leader and his dedication to his home, saying his legacy will live on forever.
Bates was the host of Love and Fellowship on WHOP Radio for over 45 years, and he had his hand in numerous boards and committees, serving as president of the local NAACP, past president of the Hopkinsville Eastside Neighborhood Association and as a magistrate on Christian Fiscal Court from 2015 to 2018.
Bates will be remembered as someone with many stories to tell, a leader with passion and a heart for his community, and a true friend to all who knew him.
