Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-12-07
DR.. J. f. SMITH DEAD
Secretary of American Society
of Religious Education.
FIFTY YEARS IN PULPIT
Once Pastor of Grace Methodist
Episcopal Church.
WROTE SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
Funeral From Foundry Church Fri
day-C1ergy to Be Pallbearers.
Burial in Rock Creek Cemetery.

Rev. Dr. Joseph Edmund Smith, secre-
tary Of the American Society Of Religious
Education and for fifty years active in
the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, having in that time served as
pastor Of Mount Vernon Church OF Bal
timore, regarded in many quarters as
the cathedral Of Methodists. died at his
home, 1859 Mintwood place northwest,
shortly after o'clock last night.
An attack Of acute indigestion, which
began early: yesterday morning, was the
cause of death. DR.. Smith was in his
eighty-first year.
The funeral will take place from Foun-
dry Methodist Church at o'clock Friday
afternoon. Rev. DR.. William r. Wedder-
spoon, the pastor, will be in charge. The
list Of clergymen who will take part in
cludes Rev. DR.. John W. r. Sumwalt,
district superintendent of the Washing
ton Methodist Episcopal churches: Rev.
Dr. John Reid Shannon, pastor Of Metro
Rev. DR.. Nailor, formerly presiding elder
Of the Methodist churches Of the Dis
trict.
Clergymen to Be Pallbearers.
Honorary pallbearers will be chosen
from the Methodist Episcopal clergy of
Washington, among whom DR.. Smith had
many close friends. Interment will be
made in Rock Greek cemetery.
DR.. Smith had been apparently we'll
and hearty until early yesterday morn
ing, when he was suddenly attacked by
indigestion. His son, Rev. DIR. Herbert
Scott Smith, rector of st. Margaret's
Episcopal Church. was summoned. He
decided at once that his father needed the
care of physician.
After medical treatment DIR. Smith
seemed much relieved. 1t was expected
that he would soon mend and be about
as usual.
However. as the day wore on his con-
dition gradually seemed to take turn
for the worse. In the early evening he
grew weaker and weaker, until the end
came.
Dr. Smith was born in Queen Anne
county, Nd, September 1. $780, Much Of
his early life was spent in Kent county,
Md, where he decided to enter the min
istry of the Methodist Church.
He was subsequently chosen to occupy
many prominent pulpits of the denomina-
ton, being a pastor in Philadelphia.
Wilkesbarre, Scranton and Lancaster,
Pa; Wheeling. w. Va: Buffalo, N. Y:
St. Paul. MINI: Trenton. N: a. s.. ana at
In the active ministry. DR.. Smith, while
nastor of Grace Methodist Church in
this city, decided to retire.
Succeeds pr. Gilbert.
About two years ago, after the death
of Rev. DR.. James E. Gilbert, secretary
Of the American Society of Religious Ed
ucation, he was chosen to succeed to
the vacancy. At this time he also took
I'D the work of writing the Sunday school
lesson for The Star.
In this special effort he always took
a deep interest. Today the reference
books he had marked but a day ago. in
the preparation OF the lesson, are upon
the desk in his study.
He was also engaged in preparing the
Christmas sermon he was to deliver IN
Hamline Church. The first lines Of the
sketch are a reverenttai tribute to the
Redeemer of the World.
Recently DR.. Smith had occupied a
number of pulpits in Washington for va
rious pastors. Last Sunday, on the in
vitation of Rev. G. Ellis Williams. pas
tor, he delivered the sermon in the Lin.
coin Avenue Methodist Church.
Several weeks ago he spoke in Charles
Town, w. Va, before a large meeting
held in the interest Of new Y. M. c. A.
building for that city. So we'll pleased
were the association workers in that
city with his appeal for the work that
5000 copies Of the address were printed
and sent to all who were interested In
the effort, as we'll as those who might
possibly be induced to evince interest.
Gratified With Reception.
After his return to Washington DR..
Smith told a number of his friends
| that he was especially pleased to be
| able to aid the work in West Virginia.
The cordiality with which his appeal
was received and the subsequent re-
Spouse on the part of leading residents
| to the work. he averred. were especially