Rev. William H. Smallwood, veteran pastor, dies at 96
POSTERITY might have missed out on the Great American Novel when William H. Smallwood was called to the ministry. "Instead of writing the Great American Novel, he shared the greatest story ever told," his family said.
POSTERITY might have missed out on the Great American Novel when William H. Smallwood was called to the ministry.
"Instead of writing the Great American Novel, he shared the greatest story ever told," his family said.
Maybe he didn't write that novel, but Smallwood had a way with words, which he used in preparing his sermons and, as his family put it, could be "trusted to say the right thing on nearly every occasion."
The Rev. William H. Smallwood, who pastored a number of churches in the African Methodist Episcopal denomination and spent 25 years as pastor of Allen AME Church, died Friday. He was 96 and lived in West Philadelphia.
"A pastor with a true shepherd's heart, Reverend Smallwood served his congregations without reservation," his family said. "A visionary who believed in fostering talent and opportunity, he mentored numerous young people - several of whom have entered the ministry as well."
He was a graduate of Central High School, Wilberforce University and Paine Theological Seminary in Ohio.
After his formal education was completed, he continued to exert a strong intellectual curiosity. He was well-read in the news of the day and in philosophical and theological subjects. He enjoyed reading the New York Times Book Review every week.
In 1937, he was ordained and became assistant pastor of Mother Bethel AME Church. A short time later, he was appointed pastor of Mother Bethel's Youth Church.
That year, he married his college sweetheart, the late Rev. Ruth Jones Smallwood.
Besides Allen AME Church, he pastored Union AME in Easton; St. John AME in Wayne; Bethel AME in Lamott, Pa.; Olive AME in Philadelphia; Monumental AME in Steelton, Pa.; St. Paul AME in Elmwood, Pa.; Bethel AME in Bryn Mawr; Ward AME in Philadelphia, and Zion AME in Philadelphia.
In each of his churches, Smallwood initiated a laymen's organization to gain the participation of more congregants in church activities.
He was twice voted Minister of the Year by the Laymen of the First Episcopal District. For more than 60 years, he served in the Philadelphia Conference of the First District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
He was a representative to the Metropolitan Council of Churches of Philadelphia and a six-time delegate to the General Conference, on which he also served as secretary of the board of trustees. He also was president of the board of Christian Education of the Philadelphia Conference.
He was a two-term president of the Main Line branch of the NAACP and was an active member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. As a youth, he was one of the first five African-Americans to become Eagle Scouts.
"A deeply gracious man, he stood by the outcast, the ashamed and the hurting," his family said.
"His presence brought calm assurance to many anxious moments, and many a challenge was met because of his quiet encouragement.
"His ready smile had a way of making you feel that he was glad to see you, whatever the occasion."
Even after his retirement in 1998, Smallwood often made himself available to comfort the bereaved and to celebrate marriages of the many who continued to seek his compassionate understanding.
He is survived by two daughters, Carole Smallwood-Statham and the Rev. Dr. Gloria J. Smallwood; four grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. He was predeceased by another daughter, Judith L. Still.
Services: 11 a.m. tomorrow at Mother Bethel AME Church, 419 S. 6th St. Friends may call at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery. *