By Mike Sparks
Living Truth Christian Center Celebrates 160 Years of Faith, Legacy and Community in Smyrna
“You Are Not Forgotten: The Legacy We Carry Forward”
SMYRNA, Tenn. — Living Truth Christian Center is celebrating an extraordinary milestone in 2026: 160 years of faith, perseverance, service and community in Smyrna, Tennessee.
The congregation’s story reaches back to 1866, just one year after the end of the Civil War and the emancipation of enslaved people across the United States. What began as a place where newly freed African Americans could worship freely grew into a ministry that has endured for generations.
The 160-year celebration honors those who came before, recognizes those carrying on the work today and challenges a new generation to preserve the legacy for the future.
The Past: Remembering Where We Have Come From
In 1866, Grace Baptist Church was established in Smyrna. The church provided a sacred place where newly freed African Americans could gather and worship without the restraints they had once endured.
The original property was purchased from James Skillman and deeded to the trustees and their heirs of Grace Church.
“Living Truth Christian Center’s 160-year history is an important part of Smyrna’s history. What began in 1866 as a place where newly freed African Americans could worship freely has grown into generations of faith, service and commitment to others. What stood out to me today was not only the history we were celebrating, but the impact this church continues to have on our community. It was an honor to celebrate this milestone with Apostle Howard and the Living Truth family, and to recognize all those who came before them and helped build the legacy they are carrying forward today.”
~ Smyrna Mayor Mary Esther Reed
Twenty years later, in 1886, during the pastorate of Rev. B.G. Strong, the church was destroyed by fire. Rev. Strong, who was also a carpenter, joined with the congregation to rebuild on the same site.
The rebuilt church became known as Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
Through the decades that followed, pastors, families and members continued building upon the foundation established by those early worshippers. Their faith survived social change, hardship and the passing of generations.
In 1960, the aging church building was demolished and a new sanctuary was constructed and dedicated, providing another home for the congregation’s growing ministry.
A New Season of Growth
Another important chapter began in May 1993, when Apostle Amos L. Howard, Sr. became pastor of Mount Zion.
His leadership ushered in a period of significant spiritual, financial and structural growth. The congregation eliminated approximately $37,000 in debt within 18 months, while embracing a ministry centered on generosity, empowerment, faith and service.
That growth led to another defining moment.
In 1999, the congregation purchased its current home at 102 Ridley Street in Smyrna, a facility then appraised at more than $2.5 million.
More than $1 million in renovations were completed debt-free before the congregation moved into its new home on July 31, 1999.
The move became a powerful symbol of the church’s journey.
Members literally marched across the railroad tracks from their former location into their new church home — leaving one chapter behind while walking together into a new season of ministry.
Welcome!
We are living proof, because we are Living Truth. The Word of God is our authority in making excellent choices for everyday living.We believe that we must apply the truth of God’s Word to our lives and that our lives must reflect God’s love and should also reflect His blessings, His miracles, signs and wonders.We are a bible-teaching, bible-believing ministry dedicated to seeking the best God has for His people through excellence in ministry. Join us for Worship… your life will never, ever be the same.Apostle & Sister Howard
The Present: Celebrating the Work That Continues
Today, Living Truth Christian Center continues the work started by those faithful men and women nearly eight generations ago.
The 160th anniversary celebration brings together church leaders, members and community officials to recognize the congregation’s lasting contribution to Smyrna.
Among those participating in the celebration are Smyrna Mayor Mary Esther Reed, Councilwoman Racquel Peebles, Tennessee State Representative Robert Stevens and Tennessee State Representative Mike SparkS.
Dr. Verontae Deams will provide the opening and welcome as the program reflects upon the church’s past, present and future.
The celebration includes a Scripture reading and presentations examining “The Significance of This Moment” and “The Journey: From Then to Now.”
Participants include Minister Ronald Martin, Minister Ernestine Patton, Minister Jordan Jones, Apostle Amos L. Howard, Sr. and Dr. Verontae Deams.
The Future: The Legacy We Carry Forward
Perhaps the most important message of the 160-year celebration is that the story is not finished.
The program’s theme of “Because of You, We Can” recognizes that today’s generation stands upon a foundation built through the prayers, sacrifices and determination of those who came before.
From 1866 to 2026, generations have prayed, served, sacrificed, built and believed so that the ministry could continue.
Living Truth Christian Center remains committed to building people of faith, strengthening families, serving the community and carrying forward the work entrusted to each new generation.
The church’s history is also part of the larger story of Smyrna and Rutherford County. What began shortly after emancipation became a lasting institution that survived fire, rebuilding, changing communities and changing generations.
Buildings have changed. Pastors and members have come and gone. The community surrounding the church has grown dramatically.
Tribute to the late Carolyn Peebles
“Carolyn Peebles was a dynamic and valuable member of the Smyrna Rotary club for many years. She contributed to the success of the club in many ways. Her untimely death left a hole in our club. We were able to successfully bring her vision to life for the 2025 Wings of Freedom fish fry.”
~ Eric Brown, President of Smyrna Rotary Club 2024 and 2025
