RESOLUTION NO. __________, SERIES 2015
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A RESOLUTION HONORING THE SERVICE, LEADERSHIP AND LEGACY OF REV. ARTHUR SMITH
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SPONSORED BY: COUNCILWOMAN CHERI BRYANT HAMILTON
WHEREAS, Rev. Arthur Smith was born on February 21, 1943 to the late James Arthur and Katherine E. Smith in Louisville, KY and was the eldest of six sons. He is a product of the Old Louisville Public School System (Central High), and later attended Georgetown College and Simmons Bible College. He went on to do further ministerial studies and various denominational seminars and served in the General Association of Kentucky Baptists and Central District Baptist Associations, respectively.
WHEREAS, in October 1966, Pastor Smith accepted the pastorate of Portland Baptist Church, now known as the Portland Memorial Missionary Baptist Church. Since that time, he served as pastor, leader, counselor, advisor and dedicated servant for 47 years until his death on February 25, 2013.
WHEREAS, under his visionary leadership, Portland grew physically and spiritually in adding properties on all three corners of 38th and Market Street and the Community Laundry across the Street, spiritually guiding the formation of many outreach ministries including: West Louisville Community Ministries; PortShaw Community Development Corporation, which houses the area "Dare to Care" food distribution site, AA meetings, community evangelism and the Senior Travel Ministry.
WHEREAS, in order to share the Gospel with the community, Pastor Smith had a vision for the community. In 1978, he initiated a live radio broadcast each Sunday morning. In 2008, Saturday Morning Breakfast was formed to engage youth in the community in an encouraging Christian environment. In 1967, the annual Residential Church Camp was launched, serving youth ages 6-14 for an entire week, providing counseling, fellowship and fun in a Christian environment.
WHEREAS, Pastor Smith was the catalyst...
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