In Memory of Bishop Leonard N. Smith

Floor Speech

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Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay homage to an outstanding man of God, published author, distinguished educator, life coach, and mentor, Bishop Leonard N. Smith. Bishop Smith transitioned from labor to reward on Sunday, February 20, 2022. His homegoing service will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Mount Zion Baptist Church located at 18410 Chapel Drive in Triangle, Virginia. He leaves behind a loving family, his dedicated church congregation at the Mount Zion Baptist Church (MZBC), and an appreciative community for his extraordinary life of service to God and humankind.

Bishop Leonard N. Smith was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised in Washington, D.C. He was a man of God, truly devoted to his calling-- a calling from God, passed to him through his grandmother, whose powerful Christian teachings would later become the base for his powerful sermons.

Looking to further knowledge of the Word for himself and others, throughout his life, Bishop Smith pursued a bachelor's degree from Richmond Virginia Seminary, a master's degree in Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry from the Virginia University of Lynchburg in addition to receiving nine honorary degrees. He also taught online classes at two seminaries as he furthered his own education.

His commitment to pastoral ministry excellence began in 1985 when Union Baptist Church in Gordonsville, Virginia called on him to serve as their Pastor and spiritual leader. After four and half years at Union Baptist, Bishop Smith was chosen to shepherd the congregation at Rivermont Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia. In 1991, Mount Zion Baptist Church called him to become the successor to their then leader, Dr. Oswald G. Smith. Through Bishop Smith's dedicated leadership, Mount Zion grew both spiritually and numerically as it exemplified the teachings of Christ by provided tutoring, food assistance, financial and missions support to the surrounding community, and its residents as well as people and organizations throughout the state, nation, and world. Bishop Smith would go on to serve as the Senior Minister of Mount Zion Baptist Church for 30 years until his retirement from the ministry of God on December 31, 2021.

Bishop Smith believed strongly that involvement in his communities was an integral part of his calling as a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Accordingly, he served in numerous roles that had as their purpose the uplift of humankind. In addition to being the beloved Pastor of MZBC, he served proudly as the President of the Richmond, Virginia Seminary (2005 to 2008) and the President of the Virginia Baptist State Convention (2009 to 2012), where he served with integrity, innovation, and impassioned leadership. Bishop Smith was also involved with numerous county, denominational, educational, non- profit, and state boards & commissions including the Arlington County Fire and Police Departments (where he served as the Chaplain); the Richmond Virginia Seminary (where he was the Chancellor); Virginia University (where he served as the Assistant to the President); the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. (where he was an active member who served in several capacities); the Global United Fellowship (where he was the Vice Presiding Bishop and the Global Leader of Pastors); and the Gospel Heritage Foundation (where he was an advisory board member).

Bishop Smith was also a sought-after lecturer, teacher, and with the release of his book entitled, ``We Need to Talk: Saying What We Need to Say Without Hurting Each Other'', he was also an author.

Bishop Smith accomplished much in his life, but none of it would have been possible without the Grace of God and the love and support of his family including his wife, Yalonda; his children, Tiffany and Phillip; and all those in his congregation and community.

Mother Teresa once said that ``At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by whether ``. . . when I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, when I was naked, you clothed me, and whether, when I was homeless, you took me in.'' Bishop Leonard N. Smith, in his life and ministry, did just that, for the ``least of these'', and the world is better because he did.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with countless others throughout the nation in honoring Bishop Leonard N. Smith for his service to God, his ministry, to his country, and to humankind; and in extending our deepest condolences to Dr. Smith's family, friends, loved ones, and all those who mourn his loss. We pray that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

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