Peter Smith celebrates 100th birthday
By Samantha Lyles, Staff Writer, slyles@newsandpress.net
Family and friends came together July 15 at the New Hopewell Outreach Center to celebrate the 100th birthday of Deacon Peter Smith. Unfortunately, Deacon Smith was unable to attend the party due to ill health, but guests enjoyed food and music and shared remembrances of a man dedicated to his family and church.
“As a person, he’s a very gentle soul, a very likable man, and a pillar in our community,” said one party guest.
“I don’t think there’s an adjective that can adequately describe him,” added New Hopewell Baptist Church Pastor Calvin Daniels, who has served at the church with Deacon Smith for over 33 years. “He’s a very humble and hardworking individual. He’s been a blessing to the church and this community for all of his life.”
Daniels said that just about the only extended absence Smith has ever had from the church was during his three years in the U.S. Army when he served in World War II. Following his return from war, Smith married the late Lillian Beaty Smith. The couple raised 6 boys through the foster care system: Ronnie, Danny, Paul, Mike, Dwayne, and John – all of whom called Deacon Smith “Pa.”
At New Hopewell Baptist, Smith served on the Deacon Board, the Brotherhood, Pastor’s Aid, the Homebound Support Ministry, and the Pallbearer Ministry for as long as his health allowed.
Smith has also found great joy singing with the church choir, where Pastor Daniels says he became known as “the short man with the big voice” and traveled to perform at many different churches.
