African American Fellowship honors Florida's Sid Smith
Jun 21, 2005
By Karen L. Willoughby

Salute to Smith
Sid Smith, who has announced his retirement as director of the Florida Baptist Convention’s African American ministries division, accepts an award during a banquet sponsored by the National African American Fellowship of the Southern Baptist Convention - which he helped launch. With Smith is his wife, Arnette. Photo by Eva Wolever
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--"When the next history of African American Southern Baptists is written, Sid Smith will be seen as a giant."

This accolade, from E.W. McCall Sr., pastor of St. Stephen Baptist Church in La Puente, Calif., was one of many directed toward Smith June 20 at a banquet in his honor given by the National African American Fellowship of the Southern Baptist Convention. Smith announced his retirement earlier this year as director of the Florida Baptist Convention's African American ministries division.

Smith has served more than 40 years in a Southern Baptist denominational role, longer than any other African American leader. He served in California, Tennessee and Florida but his influence permeates multicultural strategies now in place at the SBC's North American Mission Board and LifeWay Christian Resources.

"Everywhere he's gone, he's made an impact on Southern Baptist life," McCall said.