Dr. C.B.T. Smith, a notable and much loved man of God, perhaps the last of the traditional powerhouses of the gospel, passed away at the age of 94. Before leaving, he was an impact to many who adored him and a true man of God. Four years ago, I had the pleasure of hearing such a monumental figure in the community during the Missionary Baptist General Convention of Texas in which I am a current member but at the time I was only covering a story for The Dallas Weekly Newspaper. I was blown away. There, I was listening to one of the sons of the gospel and at 91 he could still deliver God’s Word.

Dr. Smith has been delivering God’s Word since the age of 20 and in 1952 he was appointed as the pastor of Golden Gate Missionary Baptist Church. He served there until 1997 when he retired. But for most people, retirement means you stop performing that particular job; let’s just say it was not the case for Dr. Smith. Up until his death, he was still preaching God’s Word. He would make special appearances for different conferences or church activities. He mentored so many ministers in the process of his ministry. The current pastor of Golden Gate, Rev. Vincent Parker was among the numerous ministers that loved him.

Although, an elder, he spoke clear and filled with the Holy Spirit. He is well-known for his community efforts. The Adult Rehabilitation Ministry better known as ARM will celebrate its 20^th year anniversary in October. Within those years the program developed first developed by Dr. Smith has helped thousands of men and women on drugs and alcohol. The program has been honored as one of the longest and most successful efforts in Dallas. In addition to the program, Dr. Smith was inducted into the Elite News Religious hall of Fame in 2000. His great works continue to be admired. Dr. Smith will be remembered and well missed by people everywhere.