Reverend Dr. John H. Smith, Sr. is a native of Greene County Georgia.  He is the sixth of eleven children born to the late Deacon Jimmy and Susie Smith.  He is a family man, married to Sister Darla J. Smith; the father of six girls and four boys; a very proud grandfather and great-grandfather. 
At the tender age of nine years old, he surrendered his life to the Lord’s work.  As a teenager, he was ordained to the Senior Deacon Board at his home church, Sanders Chapel Baptist Church, and served as Clerk of the Board of Deacons. Because of his strong convictions and evidence of the Power and Spirit of Christ on his life, well before he delivered his trial sermon, Rev. Smith was assigned to assist Rev. Sims, and preach on second Sundays at Shiloh Baptist Church in Athens, GA; and preach on fourth Sundays at Walnut Grove Baptist Church in Clark County, GA.
In November 1970, Pastor Smith was called, and answered the call, to Pastor the Welcome Friend Baptist Church family in Atlanta, GA; where he continues to serve as Senior Pastor.  Although accepting the call to Welcome Friend, he remained at Timothy Baptist Church for an additional thirteen years before giving full time service at Welcome Friend Baptist Church.
Pastor Smith’s Outstanding Awards and Accomplishments include:
• Honorary Doctorate of Theology Degree from Great Commission Theological Seminary in Bowling Green, Kentucky
• “In the Spirit” Award Honoring Distinguished Men & Women of the Clergy (10/04/2013)
• Proclamation: Reverend John H. Smith, Sr. Day in the 4th Congressional District; awarded by Congressman Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (7/24/2011)
• Vice Moderator & 2nd Vice Moderator of the Mount Calvary Educational and Baptist Association (two consecutive terms)
• Accomplished Speaker, Teacher, Lecturer, Revivalist, Counselor – throughout Metropolitan Atlanta, the State of Georgia, and the United States
• Guest Appearance on Trinity Broadcast Network (TBN) , a segment honoring renowned Pastors
• Many other prestigious awards, recognitions and honors