Obituary For James Smith

Bishop James Bernard Smith

October 20, 1922 - March 21, 2004

Birthplace:   Topeka, Kansas

Resided In:   Topeka, Kansas

Transition:   Topeka, Kansas

Service Time:   Saturday
April 3, 2004
12:00 Noon
Community Fellowship
Church of Jesus Christ
3838 Cleaver II Blvd.
Kansas City, Missouri.

Cemetery:   Mt. Hope Cemetery
Topeka, Kansas

O b i t u a r y

Bishop James Bernard Smith was born to the union of Charles and Mary E. Smith on October 20, 1922 in Topeka, Kansas.

He was educated in the Topeka School District, After high school he studied for the priesthood in the Catholic Church.

From January 1943 to December 1945 he faithfully served in the United States Army during World War 11.

During the 1950's Rev. Smith became affiliated with the Metropolitan Spiritual Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Henri Lawson. He studied ministry under Rev. Lawson and was later ordained by the late Rev. Clarence Cobbs.

In 1970 Rev. Smith began his theological career with St. Mary's Grand Holy Tabernacle. His tall, commanding presence was often seen at the side of Dr. G, G. Stevernson. He faithfully served as assistant Co-Pastor to Dr. Stevernson. In 1972 Rev. James Smith was consecrated to the Office of Bishop. With the passing of Dr. Stevernson in 1976, Bishop Smith was elected the 5th Pastor of St. Mary's Grand Holy tabernacle and Chairman of the Bishops College and St. Mary's National Congress of Churches.

During these glorious days he led the canonization of Dr. G. G. Stevernson to Saint Gertrude Julia; Mother Mary, Francis Glass to Saint Mary Francis; Elder George Herndon to Blessed George. During days of transition, Bishop Smith led St. Mary's from 3244 Wabash to 4102 Prospect and to its present location, 2000 Hardesty.

His literary skills led to the compilation of St. Mary's Blue (Doctrine, definition, brief history, Regulated order and Disciplines, Answer to Questions.) His teaching gifts and skills were never limited; through the years he trained, ordained and consecrated missionaries, elders, evangelists, preachers and bishops of several faiths. His counsel, teaching, and guidance has gone beyond denominations, transcended beliefs and faiths, and helped produce many armor bearers for the Lord.

In February 1996 Bishop Smith became Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Methodist Church of Topeka, Kansas. October 1996 Bishop Smith retired with honor from St. Mary's Grand Holy Tabernacle. He continued Pastoring Trinity fellowship until his health declined.

Bishop Smith is survived by his wife, Cora Spencer Smith, sons Craig L. Smith and James Smith, Jr. of Topeka, Kansas; daughters Shekena M. Smith of Topeka and Bresha Smith and Minister Myla Mitchell of Kansas City, Missouri, and nine grandchildren. Also left to cherish his memory are a host of Christian believers and witnesses.