“I decided early to give my life to something eternal and absolute. Not too little gods…. but to God who is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.” J. Alfred Smith Sr.
By Rev. Dr. Martha C. Taylor, Allen Temple Baptist Church Historian
Most tributes are written from the writer’s personal perspective of the deceased. My intent is to expand this tribute so that readers feel a sense of shared experiences and admiration. Pastor Smith had a unique gift of making each person feel as if their relationship with him was deep and personal; making every single one of us feel like the most important person he knew. To that extent this tribute is written as shared experiences and admiration for a man who was exceptional in his ministry, his mission and his life. To pay tribute to this giant of a man is a high privilege and honor.
The Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Smith Sr., lived a life beyond himself. Using his famous quote, “I wish I could make it plain,” my desire is to make this tribute plain so that the reader can feel Dr. Smith’s compassion, wisdom, his love for the other, his faithful service while he traveled the Jericho Road.
His deep faith was a powerful example to others; affirming a shared hope in God as we recall his lasting legacy. We celebrate his life, his love for the other, and a legacy that few will attain.
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Alfred Smith was born May 19, 1931, in Kansas City, Missouri. He was raised by his loving mother, Amy Gates Smith, and his grandmother, Mrs. Martha Henry. He obtained his early education in Kansas City and graduated in 1948 from the R. T. Coles High School. That same year, he was licensed to preach, and in 1951 he was ordained at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Kansas City where he served as assistant pastor for three years.
In 1950, Pastor Smith married the love of his life, Joanna Goodwin. To this union, five beautiful children were added to the family bringing even more joy and happiness. Their marriage lasted until she was called home to be with the Lord on Aug. 12, 2007. Later, The Lord blessed Dr. Smith and Rev. Bernestine Farley in marriage. Together they were powerful ministry partners with a blended family. Rev. Bernie, as she is fondly called, is an ordained minister having served at the Allen Temple Arms I and II.
During the 1950s to ’60s, Dr. Smith pastured various small churches in Missouri He also served for three years as principal of Lincoln Elementary School at Keyesville, Missouri, over a period of 20 years. With a heart to excel, and knowing that God wants his leaders properly equipped to serve the people, he burned the midnight oil and enrolled in several colleges and universities and earned four degrees; a Bachelor of Science in elementary education (1952), Bachelor of Divinity (1959), Masters of Theology in Church and Community (1966), Master’s in American Church History (1972), and a Doctor of Ministry (1975).
In 1971, Dr. Smith was elected senior pastor of Allen Temple Baptist Church. He was elected president of the Progressive Baptist State Convention of California in 1979, and president of the Progressive National Baptist Convention in 1986. Smith joined the teaching faculty at the American Baptist Seminary of the West as professor of Christian Ministries in 1992.
The question that arises at this time is what were some of the human qualities, God-given gifts, his dedication to his calling that impacted his ministry locally and beyond? Pastor Smith loved to pray; he knew his power and strength came from a deep prayer life with God. His meetings started with prayer, his phone calls ended in prayer, and amazingly, he often would make phone calls and say, “I was just thinking of you, let’s have a word of prayer.”
Dr. Smith did not set out to become famous; however, he became a renowned, celebrated pastor, preacher, professor, prophet, author, and theologian. He has been honored as one of the top Black preachers of America, earned and received countless awards, and was the recipient of hundreds of honoree acknowledgements that would be a small book in itself.
He addressed the United Nations to oppose South African apartheid and preached in pulpits worldwide, never shying away from controversial issues that represent the marginalized. Dr. Smith had a way of attracting people; he led marches that galvanized communities and people of varying nationalities to the steps of City Hall to speak on issues that plague communities. One of his favorite quotes: “To get to the sweet bye and bye you have to deal with the nasty now and now.” Dr. Smith fuels his passionate, prophetic preaching and praying power from his dependence upon God, which started at his mother’s knee, Amy Gates Smith.
Pastor Smith served everyone – from the lonely to high-ranking officials. Like Jesus, he walked with the marginalized with an open-door policy, all were welcome. The powerful often sought wise counsel from him. Pastor Smith preached and taught all over the universe.
Life has many turns; the Rev. Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson – Allen Temple’s senior pastor – was licensed and ordained by Dr. Smith; she was his daughter in the ministry who became his pastor. They shared a close relationship.
James Ella James said it like this “He was one of the most important people in my life. He was a real friend, brother, trustworthy and very caring person. It is so hard to describe James Alfred Smith. I don’t know anybody like him.”
I believe we all share James Ella James thoughts and feelings about Dr Smith.
He was never too busy to listen; he had a compassionate heart that comforted others. Most of us know he could shed tears at the drop of a hat. He was a wonderful counselor who offered grace and perspective.
After Sunday morning worship, he always went to the narthex, shook hands, and personally greeted people. He told me when you are greeting the people don’t forget to pat the little children on the head and tell them how much they are growing.
The Rev Dr. Otis Moss Jr said Pastor Smith’s preaching, teaching, and leadership commitments did not take him away from human rights struggles. ‘They take him deeper and deeper into the human rights struggles.”
Perhaps one of the outstanding contributions Pastor Smith made in his ministry was not only housing for seniors and HIV AIDS, but he also ensured that women were ordained and preached in the pulpit and elsewhere.
Among those he ordained early on was Rev. Dr. Ella Mitchell. Women from the four corners of America, there are numerous women who owe Dr. Smith a debt of gratitude for embracing them into the ministry.
When Dr. Smith’s health was challenged with a stroke, crippling him, he then preached from a wheelchair. His last sermon at Allen Temple was on Father’s Day, June 15: “A Good Daddy and his two sons.”
On Sept. 19, 2025, the Lord said, “Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant.”
Dr. Smith’s legacy of faith will live on.
All Services will be held on the Allen Temple Baptist Church Campus and will be livestreamed on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, lying in repose from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by an evening of worship and witness on Friday, Oct. 10, Celebration of Life – 11 a.m.
