Howard Smith Is Honored
Legendary. Iconic. Willful.
These were a just a sampling of adjectives used to convey sentiments about Howard Anderson Smith during services Sunday honoring his 74 years of service as organist for St. James A.M.E. Church and the Jasper County Ecumenical Community.
Proclamations and presentations were made on behalf of Governor Nathan Deal, the City of Monticello, and the Fifth Sunday Union but most heartfelt were sentiments expressed by former students, family members and friends.
Mr. Smith began playing the organ for his home church at the ripe age of 12 and has been playing ever since. He took a brief reprieve at age 15 to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta after being accepted as an Early Entry Student in tenth grade along with Jasper County Training School classmate Johnny Jackson.
While a student at Morehouse, the talented local musician performed with the college’s Glee Club during the same time a young Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a member also.
At the conclusion of his sophomore year at Morehouse, Mr. Smith relocated to Washington, D.C to spread his wings. Upon his return home, playing for the church resumed before being drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.
Well-wishers were on hand to provide riveting tributes in speech and dance. Cousin and friend Walter Smith spoke of their family connection and Howard’s dedication to his craft.
Former student Robert James said that Mr. Smith imparted many gifts upon him most memorable were Latin, love, and “the rooster” (his paddle). Mr. James noted that throughout his travels in the world he always thought of his former teacher in several respects. He likened Howard’s vocal sound to that of the late Ray Charles.
Former student Cheryl Carter spoke of her fondness for all the gifts Mr. Smith shared with her as well as all of his students, most notably his love and concern for their well-being. He always provided African-American studies and encouraged excellence among them, she said.
Quintara Standifer and Tytiana Smith offered appreciation through dance while Roger Minter rendered a poetic tribute. Pastor Tamieka Ross offered the afternoon prayer and Pastor Marquetta Brooks read the scriptures and sang a song in tribute.
St. James Minister of Music DeWayne Pinkney, Monticello Mayor Bryan Standifer, Linda Standifer, and Fifth Sunday President Harvey Pennamon each made special presentations to the honoree.
Pastor Donna Calix closed out the ceremony with praised heaped upon her organist.
