Louie Bailey, Crescent Hill’s longtime music minister, to retire in December
May 9, 2025
Minister of Music and Organist Rev. Dr. Louie Bailey will retire from his ministry at Crescent Hill at the end of 2025 after 40 years—the longest tenure of any music minister in CHBC’s 117-year history. Louie and his wife, June, beloved Choir Director at Crescent Hill, will remain in Louisville to be near their son Evan. In retirement, Louie will focus on his work at Louisville Seminary, The Temple, and Highlands Latin School.
Reflecting on his ministry, Louie recalls first hearing of Crescent Hill while growing up at Oakhurst Baptist in Decatur, Georgia. He said, “When I was growing up at Oakhurst, I began to hear about Crescent Hill and Southern. John Claypool had been Assistant Pastor at First Baptist Church of Decatur, and I had friends there who were deeply touched by his ministry. I remember hearing him preach at Youth Rallies. When my mentors knew that June and I were moving to Louisville to study at Southern, they encouraged me to visit Crescent Hill. I remember our first Sunday: a sermon by Assistant Pastor Howard Hovde, and impressive music led by the music ministers, Arnold and Linda Epley. I even remember the choir singing “O Sing unto the Lord” that day by Hassler! As a Church Music Major at SBTS, I always thought being Minister of Music at CHBC was something I could aspire to!”
After nine years as Minister of Music at Bayshore Baptist Church in Tampa, Louie accepted the call to Crescent Hill in 1985. Louie said, “When Steve Shoemaker approached me about coming to Crescent Hill, I did not answer immediately. I was happy at Bayshore. But Steve continued to call, and June encouraged me to pursue it. The rest, as they say, is history! I have been so grateful to minister at CHBC and have had opportunities to perform some wonderful music, ranging from Handel’s Messiah, Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, and Menotti’s Amahl & the Night Visitors, to Broadway musicals: Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Godspell, Cotton Patch Gospel, and Narnia. June and I feel very blessed to be a part of Crescent Hill and to have raised our children here. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to minister.”
Shared ministry has been foundational for the Baileys. June directed the Orchestra, Handbell Choir, and Children’s Choirs at Crescent Hill. She also worked with the Kentucky Baptist Convention as Children’s Choir and Handbell Consultant, and developed the Kentucky Baptist All-State Children’s Choir and Handbell Festivals. Many of CHBC’s youth learned piano with lessons from June. In 2004, Louie added Organist responsibilities to his role as Minister of Music. Together, Louie and June have shaped the sound and spirit of Crescent Hill with their unwavering dedication and generous hearts.
Jordan said, “It’s hard to imagine Crescent Hill without Louie at the organ bench or June conducting the choir. For four decades, they have lifted our voices in justice and joy. Louie has contributed to the music community in Louisville in countless ways, and together, he and June have shaped our worship with uncommon grace. Their influence will continue to ground and guide us for years to come.”
Plans for celebrating the Bailey’s ministry will be developed in the coming months, and the Personnel Committee will work to recommend a path forward for staffing the music ministry. Please make plans to attend a service celebrating Louie’s 40th Anniversary of ministry at CHBC in the sanctuary on Sunday, October 5, during worship. This will include a time of recognition and gifts for Louie & June. An informal reception will be held after worship in Fellowship Hall.
