Wallace B. Smith

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Wallace B. Smith (born 1929) was Prophet and President of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (now Community of Christ), from 1978–1996. Son of President W. Wallace Smith, he was designated as his father's successor in 1976, and confirmed as church president when the elder Smith retired to emeritus status.

Wallace B. Smith's presidency was notable for the construction of the church's temple and headquarters in Independence, Missouri, and for the first ordinations of women to the church's priesthood offices. He is credited with first proposing the name adopted by the church at a Joint Council retreat in 1994. However, action was not taken to adopt the new name until the 2000 World Conference, which was after his retirement.

In 1995, Smith designated W. Grant McMurray as his successor and retired in 1996. Smith was then named "President Emeritus" as his father had been before him.

[edit] References

  • Richard P. Howard, The Church Through the Years, Herald House: 1992.
  • Laurie Smith Monsees, The Temple: Dedicated to Peace, Herald House: 1993.


Preceded by:
W. Wallace Smith		 President of the Community of Christ
1978–1996		 Succeeded by:
W. Grant McMurray
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