Rev. Carl S. Smith, pastor of New Beginnings Missionary Baptist Church and 1st vice president of the St. Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition, transitioned on Thursday, April 9, Bishop Elijah H. Hankerson III reported with permission of family.
According to community sources, he passed of COVID-19.
“He was faithful and loyal, being a former police officer, and always looked out personally for my good and that of the coalition,” Hankerson shared in an email.
“When he talked, we listened, because he was a man of great wisdom. I counted him as a personal friend.”
Hankerson said that Rev. Smith’s wife, Lady Geraldine Smith, remains hospitalized. According to community sources, she also is battling COVID-19.
“Pray for his entire family, especially Lady Geraldine Smith. Pray for his church,” Hankerson urged.
Hankerson referenced the pandemic in his brief memorial.
“Everyone please STAY HOME, STAY SAFE,” he said. “This is nothing to play with. We are weary of losing close friends and family members.”
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway, who has attended services at New Beginning Missionary Baptist Church, said she was deeply saddened at his passing and news that his wife remains hospitalized.
“I had the privilege of attending services with Rev. Smith, and I pray for his family and the New Beginning Missionary Baptist Church congregation,” Galloway said in a statement.
“As the impacts of COVID-19 become evermore clear throughout Missouri, we must recognize a troubling reality occurring in our state. Both before and during this pandemic, black Missourians have faced worse health outcomes and less access to care. Our leaders and communities need to address these healthcare disparities.”
