Mother Edith Smith, a devoted mother and wife, was wed to the late Emeritus Pastor Paul Smith on October 2, 1982. They were blessed with five children and six grandchildren. Edith completed her education in Virginia, earning a Master’s Degree in Social Work. She has since been saved from her sins, justified by faith, sanctified through the blood of Jesus, and baptized in the Holy Ghost and with fire.

Mother Edith was a faithful member of Mount Olive Holiness Church and has witnessed and experienced miracles and healing since being called to ministry with her husband. Together, they ministered to the Northern Neck Region at Mount Olive Holiness Church for over twenty years. Their dedication and obedience to God led them to join the Nation Fellowship Churches of God, Inc. under the guidance of Apostle Ivan L. Grant Sr. and Bishop Forrest Nance Jr. It was through the Holy Spirit’s prompting that Bishop Nance and Emeritus Smith founded Faith Temple Church.

Edith’s desire for more knowledge and wisdom led her and Pastor Paul to enroll in the National Fellowship Churches of God Bible Institute. Their wisdom, knowledge, and experiences were valuable resources in the early days of Faith Temple’s establishment. Edith currently serves as Sunday School Superintendent and teacher of the adult class. Both she and her late husband were living examples of Christ’s love for humanity through their dedication to saving souls.

In 2016, Emeritus Pastor Paul Smith and  Mother Edith joined the ranks of our growing Alumni. Their passion for greater knowledge through the advanced study of God’s Word had no age limits. Pastor Paul holds the distinction of being our most senior graduate, while Mother Edith serves on our Board of Christian Education. In October 2021, Edith temporarily became Interim Pastor of Faith Temple NFCOG, Inc and served in that role until April 2022. She continues to work faithfully in the ministry by equipping others and teaching God’s Holy Word.