Lawrence Bishop, age 69, founding Pastor of Solid Rock Church in Monroe, Ohio passed away at 11:49 p.m. Friday, September 30th. Pastor Bishop was transported to the Atrium Medical Center after being found in his home unresponsive. He was later transferred to Christ Hospital where it was determined that Pastor Bishop died as a result of a massive brain stem stroke. Lawrence Bishop and his wife Darlene founded Solid Rock Church in 1978. The church, under the leadership of the Bishops, grew from a congregation of 12 people in 1978 to over 3000 at present. In addition to his ministry at Solid Rock Church, Lawrence was a nationally recognized horse rancher and breeder of quarter horses. He operated the LB Ranch in Monroe, Ohio, which produced several World Champion quarter horses. Lawrence shipped horses across the US, as well as exported horses to Canada, Europe, and other parts of the world. Prior to founding Solid Rock Church, he was a nationally sought after Quarter Horse Auctioneer. Besides preaching, Lawrence’s passion was bluegrass gospel music. He was an accomplished mandolin player and songwriter. He along with his band released six Gospel Bluegrass CD’s and had four number one songs. He was 2005 Music Evangelist of the Year and 2007 Inspirational Bluegrass Artist. He also fulfilled his life- long dream of singing at the Grand Ole Opry. Lawrence was born on July 3, 1942 in Zag, Kentucky, the son of Gardner and Mary (Carter) Bishop. He is survived by his wife, Darlene Bishop of Monroe, OH; son, Lawrence (Saleena) Bishop II of Monroe; three daughters, Jana (Mark) Mitten of Monroe, Renee (Doron) Kim of Los Angeles, California, and Julie (Leroy) Hooks of Monroe; ten grandchildren, Laci Tuttle, Kane Mitten, Jade Mitten, Jude Hooks, Ryder Hooks, Jadin Downs, Avarie Kim, Nikko Kim, Elvis Bishop, and Rio Bishop; one great grandchild, Shai Tuttle; two brothers, Bernell (Barbara) Bishop of Camden and Andrew (Crystal) Bishop of Preble County; one sister Wanda (Alan) Daniel of Middletown. Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Carrie Nipper. Funeral service will be held at Solid Rock Church, 903 Union Road, Lebanon, OH 45036 on Friday October 7, 2011 at 12:00 noon with Dwight Thompson, Rod Parsley, and Steve Fender officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and also on Friday from 10:00 AM till the time of service at 12:00 noon. The South Campus will not have Thursday evening service due to visitation at the Main Campus.
Information gathered via Church Website
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