Bishop Alaska A. Smith, D.D.
First Chief Apostle

Unfortunately, limited information exists about Bishop A.A. Smith. What is known is that he was once a member of the 7th Day Adventist movement. In the early 1930’s, Bishop Smith joined Bishop R.A.R. Johnson in building the House of God.

Bishop Smith was the General Secretary for the National Church and Personal Secretary to Bishop R.A.R. Johnson. Bishop Smith was known for his education and expertise of Hebrew language and taught Hebrew at a school in New York City with Bishop A.J. Ford.

Bishop Smith lived in New York City. After Bishop R.A.R. Johnson’s demise in 1940 in New York City, Bishop Smith became the first Chief Apostle. New York City became the church’s national headquarters. In 1941, Bishop Smith and eight board members went to Washington, D.C. to change the name of the church back to the full name that was given by Bishop Johnson. Mother Johnson changed the name without the knowledge of Bishop Smith.

In 1947, Bishop Smith told the National Convocation that Elder Rawlings would be the next Chief Apostle. He indicated that God was going to anoint him to do the job. Elect Lady I.B. Sessoms was present when Bishop Smith ordained Elder Rawlings to bishop.

In the 1970 minutes book, Elect Lady I.B. Sessoms indicated one of the reasons why Bishop Smith ordained Bishop Rawlings was because Bishop Rawlings came up to every mark. Bishop asked the Lord to anoint Bishop Rawlings to carry on the church.

Around 1948, Bishop Smith became ill but continued to serve as Chief Apostle. In 1949, he became so ill that he appointed Bishop Rawlings to take over his responsibilities. After serving as Chief Apostle for nine years, Bishop Smith passed away in New York City at 15 Wes 199 St., in the same room and bed as Bishop R.A.R. Johnson.

Information Retrieved From Church Archives And Members of The Organization.
Articles Rewritten by Dr. Larry Steven Sherrill Sr.