HISTORY

Rev. Willie T. Smith, Jr. was born and raised in Detroit and educated in the Detroit Public School system.  He graduated from Murray Wright High School. He continued his higher education at Ferris State University¸ Wayne County Community College (receiving his bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies).

Reverend Smith’s Christian education and training began at Central Institutional Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Reverend Dr., William J. Bishop.  In 1978, under Reverend Dr. Bishop he not only received his calling but was also licensed to preach and serve as an Associate Minister. In 1984, he was ordained as an evangelist by the late Rev. Dr. William J. Bishop. In 987, he was called to pastor the Children’s Hope Baptist Church until 2008.  And then would return to his family church, Central Institutional Baptist Church, as an Associate Minister under the leadership of Reverend Clay Dr. Clayton Smith and later Reverend Robert Bolden.

Reverend Smith is a devoted and loving father to his three children, Willie T. III, Howard and Kimberly.  He is the grandfather of six grandchildren. In his community, he serves as the Vice-President of the Grandmont Community Neighborhood Watch Patrol and is a member of the patrol team.  He is also a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

In 2016, Reverend Smith worked diligently as an Associate Minister with the late Reverend Dr. Raymond Wilson. Today, he will be installed as Pastor of Greater Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, as the 3rd  Pastor in its 46 years history.