Israel A. Smith (1946-1958)
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Israel A. Smith
(Community of Christ archives) |
After Fred M. Smith’s death, his brother, Israel A.
Smith, became leader of
the church. His leadership was more pastoral and focused on reconciliation,
allowing time for the healing of wounds caused by the divisive issues his brother
had dealt with. The church became more united than it had ever been previously.
Israel A. presided over a church that was beginning to see itself as more
than merely a United States body. Many members had served in the military
and returned with a more global viewpoint. This was to have an increasing impact
on the church both then and in future years. Since members had more income than
they had had for a number of years, they began to build new meetinghouses and
repair old ones. They began an increased missionary outreach.
In this process, Israel A. recognized a need for
improved education for ministers. A site was located in Independence, Missouri, and a curriculum
established for all ministers.
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(courtesy Herald House)
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Construction on the Auditorium resumed under his leadership. This building,
begun under Frederick M. Smith in 1926, was designed to serve as a headquarters
building for the denomination with office spaces and a large conference chamber
for holding the church’s biennial conferences. Although its construction had
been delayed during the Great Depression and World War II, Israel A. was able to
see the building resumed and progress made toward its completion.
He was unexpectedly killed in a car wreck while he was on his way to visit
Lamoni, Iowa, in 1958. But the church had learned from its history, and he had
plans in place to identify a new leader.
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