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Smith was called to pastor
his first church while still a student at American Baptist
College – his first pastoral home was Big Walnut Grove
Baptist Church in Pembroke, Kentucky. He returned to his
hometown, Toledo, in 1986.
Upon his return, Smith
joined the Ohio Department of Youth Services as a counselor
for at-risk youth who had been involved with the criminal
justice system; he also rejoined Calvary in the role of
director of the Youth Department, a position he retained
until he became pastor in 1989 – 30 years ago.
In addition to his current
pastoral duties, Smith also serves as the first vice
president moderator of the Northwestern Ohio Missionary
Baptist Association locally and on the state level; he is an
instructor for the American Baptist Theological Seminary,
Toledo extension program and the Northwestern District
Congress of Christian Education.
Smith is the father of
daughter Kimberly Yvonne, son Floyd III, son Brandon and
daughter Beverly Michelle.
This past weekend’s
celebration opened with music by C.J. Manning and a
processional of the speakers and special guests. Bishop
Duane Tisdale, pastor of Friendship Baptist, was the master
of ceremonies.
After dinner, Chris Byrd
of the Worship Center presented a musical selection and
reflections were offered by Rev. B. Lamont Monford,
moderator of the Northwestern Ohio Missionary Baptist
Association, Inc; by Otha Gilyard, president of the Ohio
Baptist General Convention and by Sheryl Riggs of Dale-Riggs
Funeral Home.
Bishop Clifton T. Jones,
Jr., pastor of Agape Love Ministries, Sandusky, OH, was the
evening’s guest speaker.
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