Rev. Calvin E. Smith to be honored with MLK Service Award

This year’s award by the MLK Social Action Committee will go to Calvin E. Smith, a pastor and teacher dedicated to service. Smith said he has always had a passion and calling to serve even at a young age. After completing high school, this desire led him into the United States Air Force. Upon returning home, Smith continued to serve the government by being a USPS mail carrier for 18 years.

For Smith, the award is humbling for a number of reasons. “Receiving the award is an honor. I come from behind the scenes,” he noted, acknowledging past history with the MLK Social Action Committee and mentorship from the group’s founder and president Dr. George Jackson. Additionally, he called it an honor to help participate in the committee’s scholarship program.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. {Stock Photography}

To date, the MLK-SAC has given $160,000 in scholarships.

Smith added that First Missionary Baptist Church is planning to host activities when COVID is better under control and weather permits, including neighborhood prayer walks and block parties.

The youngest of six siblings, Smith was born to Willie B. and Mamie Smith in Stoneville, N.C. It was during his time delivering packages when Smith said God called him to serve in a greater capacity. In 1989, he preached his initial sermon at Reid Memorial C.M.E. Church in Greensboro, and within one year was serving as associate minister at Reid Memorial Church and eventually becoming a pastor at Erwin Temple C.M.E. Church in Cooleemee, N.C.

During Smith’s nine years of pastorate at Erwin Temple, and with the support of the congregation and community, the church constructed a building. Smith explained, “God expanded their borders to increase ministry opportunities and membership to glorify Him in that community.”

In 2001, Smith became one of 13 associate ministers at First Assembly of God in Winston-Salem. After his tenure at First Assembly, Smith assisted Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Mocksville, N.C. for a short period of time as they went through a transition period. In 2005, he was presented with an opportunity to assist in the formation of Cornerstone of Faith Ministries in Winston-Salem.

In February 2015, Smith became the interim pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church in Thomasville, N.C. It was here that he met and marry his wife, Lady Tanya Smith. In May 2017, Smith became the senior pastor and teacher of First Missionary Baptist Church, which has been serving the Thomasville community since 1884. 

Founded in 1993, the MLK-SAC advances and promotes the unfinished work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through teaching, proclaiming, interpreting, advocating and promoting the nonviolent elimination of poverty, racism and hate.