REVEREND DR. PARIS L. SMITH IS NAMED SENIOR PASTOR-ELECT OF MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH, SEATTLE, WA.

Newly Elected Pastor Most Recently Served as Pastor at Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.

Seattle, WA//August 1, 2023//Mount Zion Baptist Church, one of the oldest and most prominent African American churches in Seattle, Washington, today announced the newly elected pastor, Rev. Dr. Paris L. Smith of Washington, D.C.

“We are pleased that Rev. Dr. Smith will take the helm and lead our congregation,” said Diaconate Chair John Capps. “Rev. Dr. Smith has a wealth of experience, a passion for spiritual growth, and a strong pastoral background, and he brings a deep commitment to serving the community. The Mount Zion congregation eagerly anticipates Dr. Smith's positive impact on the church and its members.”

Rev. Dr. Smith holds a Bachelor of Theology Degree from the Tennessee School of Religion (Memphis, TN), a Master of Divinity Degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center (Atlanta, GA), and a Doctor of Ministry Degree as a Curtis-Stewart Fellow from the United Theological Seminary (Dayton, OH). Dr. Smith has also served as an adjunct professor in the Religious Studies Department at Simmons College of Kentucky, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) located in Louisville, KY, and Memphis Theological Seminary in Memphis, Tennessee.

“As a Black Theologian and Man of God, my heart is set towards preaching and teaching to empower people’s lives in how they think about the gospel from a liberation perspective,” said Rev. Dr. Smith. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be called to pastor at Mount Zion Baptist Church which holds a tradition of being at the forefront of social justice and Civil Rights, and to continue the legacy of Dr. Samuel B. McKinney. I am humbled and honored to join the vibrant and loving community of Mount Zion. I look forward to working alongside the congregation, building meaningful relationships, and guiding all members in their spiritual journey,” he concluded.

The pastoral search committee conducted an extensive selection process to find the right candidate. The committee was impressed by Dr. Smith’s strong faith, dedication to spiritual development, and vision for the future of Mount Zion. The decision was met with overwhelming support and excitement from the church community. The congregation is excited to embark on this new chapter under Dr. Smith’s leadership.