Background
Smith, Bennett Walker was born on April 7, 1933 in Florence, Alabama, United States. Son of Pearline Smith.
Smith, Bennett Walker was born on April 7, 1933 in Florence, Alabama, United States. Son of Pearline Smith.
Bachelor of Science, Tennessee State University, 1958. Doctor of Divinity(honorary), Cincinnati Baptist Theological Seminary, 1967. Doctor of Humane Letters(honorary), Medaille College, 1979.
Master of Divinity, Colgate Rochester Division School, 1992. Doctor of Divinity(honorary), American Baptist Seminary of West, 1994. STD, Temple Bible College and Seminary, 1997.
Pastor, 1st Baptist Church, Cincinnati, 1963-1965; pastor, Lincoln Heights Baptist Church, Cincinnati, 1965-1972; pastor, St. John Baptist Church, Buffalo, since 1972. Instructor Congress Christian Education, 1968-1980. 1st vice president Progressive Bapts.,1988-1994, president, 1994-1998.
Board of directors People United to Serve Humanity, Buffalo, since 1974. President Virginia/Michigan Housing Company, since 1982. Chaplain Buffalo Police Department, 1997.
Member National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (life, Medgar Evers award 1982), Masons (33 degree), KappaAlpha Psi (life).
Married Marilyn J. Donelson, December 29, 1985. Children from previous marriage: Debra T., Bennett Junior, Lydia R., Matthew T.