Following the death of Bishop Holly, the Apostolic Faith Church was faced with a challenge -- the leadership became divided and many of its members became scattered. But it was during this critical time that God began to answer the prayers of the saints and strengthen their faith. This was the beginning of a new journey towards God’s vision for the Apostolic Faith Church.

While Bishop Holly’s death impacted and affected the entire Apostolic Faith Church family, it brought about a profound change of direction in the life and future of one of its members, a young resident doctor. This same man spent many days in the home of Bishop and Sister Holly and very few Sundays passed when he was not at their dinner table as a member of their extended family. This man’s journey even brought him to the side of Bishop Holly a few days before his death. But it was the faithful service and fearless determination to walk with God that marked this man for dynamic and powerful leadership in Pentecost.

Past the halls, clinics, laboratories and operating rooms of Chicago’s Children’s Memorial Hospital, the echo of a "summons" fell on the ears of a young oncologist, a studious and gifted physician who treated children diagnosed with cancer. It was this godly man, Dr. Horace Earl Smith who would answer the highest calling and on Sunday, June 8, 1980 would be installed as the pastor of the Apostolic Faith Church.

During his final years in medical school, Horace Smith met a lovely young lady who was completing her studies in pharmacology at the University of Illinois. He was immediately drawn to the peaceful and thoughtful spirit she possessed, her sense of connection to God and family, and her moral and ethical principles. It was not long before God revealed to him that Susan M. Davenport was to be his lifetime companion. The two were united in Holy Matrimony in September of 1976 and today are the loving parents of three teenage daughters.

As Dr. and Sister Smith poured themselves into the ministry and spiritual development of the Apostolic Faith Church, the congregation began to increase. It was this growth that encouraged the pastor and leadership to develop the "Capital Stewardship Program." The theme of the program, "Not Equal Giving, But Equal Sacrifice," galvanized the church to raise over $2 million, and on Sunday, September 6, 1987, a new edifice – complete with a beautiful sanctuary, fellowship hall and administrative offices – was dedicated to God in a inspiring ceremony and worship service led by Bishops Arthur M. Brazier and Charles E. Davis. In yet another an example of unfailing faith in God, Dr. Smith led the church in a spiritually-motivated crusade to pay off its 20-year mortgage within two years, while continuing to expand its ministries. The vision was realized in October, 1990 when Dr. Smith made the final mortgage payment during the church’s annual convention.

In early 1998, Dr. Smith was elevated to the office of Bishop and Diocesan in the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, thereby amplifying his profound ministry to 14^th district pastors and churches in the states of Kansas, Colorado & Western Iowa. His continued prominence as an oncologist encompasses, in his own words, "the principles of the Bible of helping, healing, supporting and developing people, of impacting people’s lives in a positive way. I cannot see a better way to do it."

A Triumphant Future... From its humble beginnings in a residence to a prodigious house of worship, the rich heritage of the Apostolic Faith Church is one that has been blessed by God for over 88 years. God has shown the Apostolic Faith Church favor and grace from generation to generation through a legacy that has been passed on through faithful people to us. Today, our vision is clear and the journey continues as we follow the one who follows Christ.

"And Let the Elders That Rule Well Be Counted Worthy of Double Honor, Especially They Who Labor In The Word and Doctrine." I Timothy 5:17