About Us

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Rev. Emanuel A. Smith Jr., is proud to be Pastor of the First African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of South Bend, Indiana. Rev. Smith is a 

‘Servant Leader‘

He was born in Chicago, Illinois, but raised in Gary, Indiana, where he was nurtured at St. Andrew A.M.E. Zion Church, under the leadership of the following Pastors, Rev. Sylvester Norman, Rev. Thomas David Dickerson, Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Tribble, Rev. O.C. Comer, and Rev. Steven D. Floyd. 

Emanuel answered the call to salvation at the age of twelve. One day while at play, he was asked a question by a street evangelist; “If you died tonight, do you know where your soul would spend eternity?” Intrigued by this question, he was then asked to quote the scripture, Romans 10:9-10.  9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  Upon this confession of his faith, Emanuel answered the calling on his life and worked diligently in the church, serving God and others.

For over a period of 50 years, his ministry contribution included, Asst. Secretary, and Secretary of Sunday School, Asst., Superintendent and Superintendent of Sunday School, Youth, and Adult Sunday School Teacher, Duly Elected Church Delegate, Preachers Steward, Traveling Preacher, Associate Minister, and currently Pastor of First A.M.E. Zion Church, appointed by Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, in 2019. Emanuel has served and continues to serve in other capacities outside of church ministry, within his community. He believes in the Word of God wholeheartedly and endeavors to be a doer of the word in every area of his life's work.  Rev. Smith ministers as he runs his transportation business.

Rev. Emanuel A. Smith Jr. married to his wife, Samara Dates-Smith, back in December of 1980. To their union, they have three sons, Emanuel A. Smith III, Jonathan A. Smith, and Samuel A. Smith. Rev. Smith is also the proud grandfather of eleven grandson, and three granddaughters.    

Rev. Emanuel wants everyone to know he is a servant of our Lord, and lives his life in service to others. In application of God's Word, he has lived by this truth. Matthew 23: 11:12.  11 But he  that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. 

Rev. Emanuel A. Smith Jr.,  “Serving His God and His Community”