The BANK VI Hero of the Week is Pastor Allen Smith, of St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church.

Rev. Allen D. Smith with wife Shalonda Smith

Fifteen years ago, the church burned to the ground. Under the leadership of Pastor Smith, a new church was constructed, and the new St. Johns Missionary Baptist church opened their doors in 2003.
Smith has been the driving force behind building this new church and making it a place that builds bridges within the community. Pastor Smith is involved in a number of projects designed to improve the quality of life in Salina. He also ministers to the sick, elderly, and those in harm’s way.

In addition, he has a specific passion to minister to our youth. “I believe we have a strong outreach to the youth of this community” said Smith. “It’s about doing your part to make your community better.”

St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church was founded in Salina in the late 1800’s by a group of freed slaves. The church recently honored Pastor Smith’s for fifteen years of service to his congregation and community.

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