Deacon Jonathan (Wally) Smith was born and raised in the community of North Preston and is the son of Reverend Wallace and Frances Smith. “Wally,” as he is affectionately known, received his early education at Allen W. Evans Elementary School and Nelson Whynder Elementary School, and later completed his secondary education at Cole Harbour High School. He later married Mrs. Maureen (Downey) Smith, and God has blessed their union with five children.
Deacon Wally accepted Christ into his life and was baptized at an early age. From childhood, he demonstrated a strong love for sports and music. His passion for music, clearly a God-given gift, was evident through his involvement with the Young Boys Choir and the BYF Group. Over time, Deacon Wally developed into a gifted singer and learned to play the bass guitar. His musical talents have allowed him to minister through gospel music for many years, both at Saint Thomas Baptist Church and with the Gospel Heirs, with whom he performed for approximately twenty years.
Professionally, Deacon Wally established a career in the drywall industry. He worked for several years with the Department of National Defence and is also the owner of SNS Contracting. Beyond his professional life, he has been actively involved in community affairs, serving as a member of the Black Learners Advisory Committee of Nova Scotia and the Provincial Council on African Canadian Education.
Deacon Wally was ordained as a deacon of Saint Thomas Baptist Church on July 16, 2006, and has remained deeply committed to ministry ever since. He currently serves as Chairperson of the Deacon Board, Director of the STBC Mass Choir, and Director of the STBC Hallelujah Praise Choir. Previously, he served as President of the Men’s Brotherhood from 2005 to 2007.
Deacon Wally has a deep passion for God and His people and is fully committed to serving the Lord with faithfulness and humility. He lives by the scripture: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delighteth in his ways.” - Psalm 37:23
