Dr. Charles Turnbull Smith, D.D.

"Dr. Smith was born in New Orleans, but has lived in Baton Rouge since the age of two.  He is a graduate of McKinley High School and earned a baccalaureate degree in Sociology from Southern University.  He completed his religious studies at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary earning the Doctor of Divinity.  He has also been awarded the honorary Doctor of Divinity from the Union Theological Seminary. 
 
Dr. Smith is an “activist” Minister.  He pastors both Shiloh and Donaldson Baptist Churches.  He is currently President of the Fourth District Baptist Association, President of the Louisiana Congress of Christian Education, President of the Baton Rouge Federation of Churches and Synagogues and a member of the Board of Directors of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.

As an activist, Dr. Smith has lead his parishioners and the community to establish a Federal Credit Union, a scholarship fund and provide assistance for the indigent (regardless of church affiliation or membership) with rent, utilities and food.  He is the recipient of numerous humanitarian and brotherhood awards and honors.  These include the Brotherhood Award presented by the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Community Spirit Award presented by the Links, Inc., the Whitney Young Award presented by the Boy Scouts for his contributions to the under-privileged in scouting.  Dr. Smith serves or has served on a number of Boards including the Community Association for the Welfare of School Children, Baranco-Clark YMCA, Community Assistance for Public Education, Istrouma Area Council of Boy Scouts of America, Baton Rouge Metropolitan YMCA,  Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation, American Red Cross, Crime Stoppers, Council of Arts and Humanities and the Blundon Home orphanage."

Source:  “The First Annual South Baton Rouge Black History Recognition Program”- Author – Ms. Helen Turner Rutledge, February 27, 1993