Rev. Dr. Lloyd Smith, president of the Bahamas National Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention (BNBMEC), died on Saturday.
He was 74.
BNBMEC Executive Secretary Rev. Michael Symonette made the announcement.
“The Bahamas Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention Inc. bows to the will of the Almighty God as we announce the sudden passing of our beloved president Rev. Dr. Lloyd C. Smith,” Symonette said in a statement.
“Our hearts are heavy, but we mourn with hope. We send heartfelt condolences and prayers to [his wife] Minister Linda Smith, his children, and immediate family. Dr. Smith was the organizing pastor of the Mount Horeb Baptist Cathedral where he served for 21 years.
“We extend sympathy to the Baptist family of churches in The Bahamas and the entire religious community; National Baptist Convention USA Inc. and Dr. Jerry Young; the National Baptist Convention of America Inc. and Dr. Samuel Tolbert Jr.; and the Progressive National Baptist Convention and Dr. David Peoples.
“Pray for us as we go through this storm anchored in the Lord. May the soul of our dear president rest in perfect peace.”
A relative confirmed to The Nassau Guardian that, while at a funeral service at Mount Horeb, where he was to deliver the eulogy, Smith collapsed in the restroom and was rushed to hospital, where he died.
Smith became the 10th president of the BNBMEC in 2018, and owned a construction firm, Holiday Industrial Builders.
Prime Minister Philip Davis, in a statement released on Saturday, offered condolences on Smith’s passing.
“My wife, Ann Marie, and I join with Bahamians throughout our country in extending our sincere condolences on the passing of Rev. Dr. Lloyd C. Smith. His roles were many – a pastor, a president, a contractor, a mentor – but his legacy is singular: he made a significant difference.
“Dr. Smith served the spiritual needs of his congregation as senior pastor at Mount Horeb Baptist Church in Sandyport. His ability to guide, to understand, and to inspire left a mark not just on his congregation, but also on the wider community.
“…On the economic front, Dr. Smith led by example. His construction firm, Holiday Industrial Builders, contributed to our nation’s growth. He played an integral role in public infrastructure projects, such as the Ministry of National Security headquarters on University Drive, manifesting his commitment to our social development.”
Davis added, “Today, we mourn the loss of a true servant leader. Our thoughts are with his family, his church, his colleagues, and all who were touched by his life’s work. While we grieve, we also remember and give thanks for a life lived in service to others.
“May Rev. Dr. Lloyd C. Smith rest in peace. His legacy will continue to inspire.”
Free National Movement Leader Michael Pintard also offered his condolences.
“It is with deep sadness that I write to extend my deepest condolences to Mother Linda Smith on the sudden passing of Rev. Dr. Lloyd Smith,” he said.
“Rev. Smith’s untimely departure has left a deep void not only in the hearts of his loved ones, but also throughout the Christian community which he served with unwavering dedication and compassion. His immense contributions as the esteemed pastor of Mount Horeb Baptist Church touched the lives of countless individuals, inspiring faith and hope in the hearts of many.
“His contributions to The Bahamas extended beyond his service to the wider church community. However, he is best known for his role as a no-nonsense, old-school spiritual leader. Rev. Smith … served as moderator of the Independent Baptist Association. His stellar work has had an enduring impact on the religious landscape. His visionary leadership has undoubtedly set a precedent for leaders to come.
“Through his construction company, he built not just structures, but also bridges of connectivity which have paved the way for prosperity.”
Pintard added, “As you grieve this immeasurable loss, I want to, once again, on behalf of my wife Berlice, daughter Micaela, and the Free National Movement family, offer my heartfelt sympathies to Mrs. Linda Smith, the children, grandchildren, and all family members. May you find strength in each other’s love and shared memories during this time of sorrow.”
Bahamas Christian Council President Bishop Delton Fernander, in a statement released yesterday, said, “It is with great sadness that I acknowledge the sudden passing of my brother and friend Rev. Dr. Lloyd C. Smith. Rev. Smith was an excellent laborer in the vineyard of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He utilized his time, talent and treasure in the furtherance of the spreading of the good news and the work of the kingdom.
“We are at a pivotal juncture in our nation’s history when men like Rev. Smith, who are willing to be used by God for the greater good of His people, must step up to the plate in true service. I am grateful to have been able to share the stage with Rev. Smith at the historic 50th anniversary of independence celebration on Clifford Park where he gave the benediction at the end of the ecumenical service.”
Fernander added, “While we may not understand the need for God to take His servant home, God knows all and we trust His timing…On behalf of myself, my wife, Dr. Calpurnia, and our family, the Bahamas Christian Council, and the wider Christian community, I extend condolences to his wife, Minister Linda, their entire family and church family. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in eternal peace and rise in glory.”
