There are too many words to say. My grandmother, Reverend Carrie Johnson, came to know him to be a friend. So, when, after years of traveling from West Philadelphia to North Philadelphia to attend Morris Brown AME, she found out the Reverend Smallwood was at Allen AME, our small family began to attend there.

Reverend Smallwood was the most caring man. His gentle way always made everyone feel loved and appreciated. Years after leaving Allen, I joined Zion AME where my grandmother had been a member under Reverend Smallwood. One Sunday, he visited us for a conference event. Without even thinking long, Reverend Smallwood asked how my mother and siblings were. That’s the kind of man that he was.

I’ll always remember how treated the gospel. His joy was in preaching – and few could preach as he did. A shout from the thin balding man behind him …the joy of the Lord just now filled the room. He preaches and the choir begins to stand.

We shall meeting again Reverend Smallwood – on that great gettin’ up morning. Won’t it be grand???

One of your sons –

Michael