Wallace Bunnell Anthony Smith was Prophet-President of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints , from April 5, 1978 through April 15, 1996.
Background
Son of W. Wallace Smith, he was designated as his father"s successor in 1976, and ordained church president in 1978 when his father retired to emeritus status. Wallace B. Smith is a great-grandson of Joseph Smith (the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement), and was a practicing ophthalmologist in the Independence, Missouri area before accepting ordination to RLDS leadership.
Career
Smith"s presidency was notable for authorizing construction of the church"s temple in Independence, Missouri, with construction occurring from 1990 to 1994. His presidency was also noted for promoting a church conference vote on April 5, 1984 which approved ordination of females to priesthood offices: The first ordination took place on November 17, 1985. Smith is also credited with being one of the first church leaders to formally propose a name-change for the church, at a Joint Council retreat in 1994.
On September 19, 1995, Smith announced he was retiring as prophet, secretary and revelator of the church, and designated West. Grant McMurray as his successor.
Smith holds the position today.