By Marnita Coleman
Special to the AFRO
Rev. James Willie Smith celebrated his 101 years of life on Nov. 6 with family and friends by his side to reflect on his remarkable life of faith and resilience.
On Nov. 3, Rev. Smith, founder and pastor emeritus of Second Antioch Baptist Church in East Baltimore, preached a message resonating with Psalm 121:1.
“I will lift up my eyes to the hills, where my help comes from,” said Rev. Smith, a testament to his belief that God would take care of him through every stage of life.
Rev. Smith describes himself as a “God chaser,” always pursuing a deeper relationship with God.
Known for his discipline, he reads and studies his Bible daily, a commitment he believes is essential to his faith. He also wears a suit every day, saying it reflects who he is: a man of God, in both appearance and action.
Audrey Smith, describes her father’s a master of “internal strength, all because of his faith.”
Community members like Rev. Luther J. Westbrook II, pastor of Winston Avenue Baptist Church in East Baltimore, weighed in on how the centenarian has significantly influenced his life.
“Rev. Smith has been like a father and mentor,” said Rev. Westbrook.
Anita Marine, a member of Second Antioch since 1996, also spoke on how Rev. Smith’s warmth has influenced the church. She remembered him as a father figure too, especially during a difficult time after her own father passed. “Daughter, I’m your dad now,” she recalls Rev. Smith saying to assure her. Marine said that Rev. Smith has faithfully kept his promise, embodying the compassionate spirit he is known for.
Rev. Dr. Sandra Conner, president of the Baptist Ministers’ Night Conference of Baltimore and Vicinity, who was inspired by his humility and dedication. “Let Rev. Smith’s life be an example for us,” she said, encouraging others to follow his example.
Born on Nov. 6, 1923, in Oxford, N.C., Rev. Smith was the eldest of eight children. His early years were shaped by hard work, values he carried into adulthood. He served in the Army during World War II, married Mary Alice Royster in 1950, and later moved to Baltimore, where he felt God’s call to ministry. In 1961, he founded Second Antioch Baptist Church, which he pastored for over 40 years, helping it grow and establishing a lasting spiritual home for many.
His commitment to learning was equally strong. From earning his high school diploma at Dunbar Evening High School to receiving an honorary doctorate in theology, he valued education as a way to better serve his congregation.
With his steady message of lifting up one’s eyes to the hills, Rev. Smith continues to believe that God is a promise keeper, always present, guiding and sustaining our steps.
Rev. Smith’s life stands as a testament of strength and peace that faith brings!
When asked if he plans to step down from the pulpit now that he is 101 years old, Rev. Smith had a simple answer:
“A preacher never stops preaching.”
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