|
Rev. Floyd Smith Jr celebrates 25 years at Calvary MBC
By Artisha S Lawson
Sojourner’s Truth Reporter
Community residents, elected officials, and people of faith
gathered to celebrate the 25 year anniversary of Rev. Floyd
Smith Jr., pastor of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church on
Sunday, March 23, 2014 under the theme, “Remaining diligent
in God’s purpose,” that was organized by the Pastor’s Aid
Committee.
“Pastor Smith has done so many wonderful and great things in
this church. Pastor Smith is an awesome man of God,” shared
Frances Ester, Pastor’s Aid Overseer.
The deacons of St. Paul Baptist Church led a spirit filled
praise and worships segment, immediately followed by the
entrance of the honoree, Rev. Smith, Jr. and escort Sister
Clara Brown. All in attendance rose to their feet, applauded
and cheered as Rev. Smith Jr., entered the sanctuary. |
Program Escort Clara Brown and Rev. Floyd Smith Jr.
Rev. Smith Jr. and Pastors Aid Committee |
|
Sister Anne Walker served the mistress of ceremony, and St.
Paul Baptist Church presented three choir selections. Sister
Ruth Penamon welcomed all guests in attendance, and Pastor
Gregory Bennett delivered a tribute to Pastor Smith Jr. The
guest speaker, Rev. Willis, the Pastor of St. Paul Baptist
Church was introduced by Rev. Mary Jo Brazzel. Deacon Willie
Tucker, Jr. shared words of gratitude, Rev. Smith, Jr gave
remarks as Rev. Willis closed the service with the
benediction.
The theme, “Remaining diligent in God’s purpose,” was taken
from Biblical scripture Psalms 37:23. The Pastor’s Aid
Committee was organized in 2002 and current members are:
Durrell and Mary Burden, Frances Ester, Leonia Lyle, C.J.
and Glenda Manning, Robin Marr, Pat McFarland, Charles
Meredith, and Deacon Willie Tucker.
“We’re excited because this upcoming Thursday, the City of
Toledo will rename the street to Pastor Floyd Smith Street
at 12:30pm. Several political officials have presented Rev.
Smith with acknowledgements such as United States
Representative Marcy Kaptur, State Rep. Michael Ashford,
City of Toledo Mayor D. Michael Collins, candidate for judge
Jay Feldstein and Toledo City Council members Jack Ford and
Larry Sykes,” explained Frances Ester, Pastor’s Aid
Overseer.
The anniversary celebration began March 9, 2014 with guest
speaker Bishop Duane Tisdale, Pastor of Friendship Baptist
Church, and continued on March 16, 2014 with guest speaker
Rev. Melvin Barnes, Pastor of Greater Faith Fellowship
Church. The final two celebration days are March 29 with a
musical celebration at 6:00pm at Calvary Baptist Church and
April 4 banquet at the Radisson Hotel. Individuals
interested in purchasing banquet tickets can contact the
church at 419-242-8379, guest speaker is Bishop J. Delano
Ellis of Cleveland and musical performances by Bishop Rance
Allen.
Reverend Floyd Smith, Jr. was born in Toledo, Ohio to the
late Floyd Sr. and Mary Smith as the eldest of four children
and he attended Toledo Public Schools. Rev. Smith Jr.
accepted the ministry at age 18 and mentored by Rev. L.H.
Newsome, licensed to preach in 1973, ordained in 1982,
earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1986 while majoring in
Bible and Theology. Rev. Smith Jr. accepted the call to
pastor in 1982 at Big Walnut Grove Baptist Church, located
in Kentucky before returning to Toledo in 1986. Rev. Smith
Jr. served Calvary Baptist Church as Director of Youth
Department before becoming pastor in 1989. In addition to
serving as Pastor, he’s second Vice President Moderate of
the NW Ohio Missionary Baptist Association on the local and
state level; a recognized instructor for the American
Baptist Theological Seminary, Toledo Extension Program, and
NW District Congress of Education; and military veteran.
Personally, Rev. Smith Jr. is father of Kimberly Yvonne,
Floyd III, Brandon, and Beverly Michelle.
|
