Joseph M. Smith (1912–2011), a dedicated Disciples of Christ missionary, left an enduring legacy through his work in China, the Philippines, and beyond during and after World War II. Later, Smith held prominent leadership roles within the Division of Overseas Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), shaping global missions for decades.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 7, 1912, in Cliff, Virginia, Joseph M. Smith demonstrated a lifelong commitment to faith and service. After pastoring several churches, he pursued higher education, earning degrees from Lynchburg College (AB), Yale Divinity School (BD), and a Master’s in Rural Sociology from the University of Wisconsin. Smith married Winifred Watson on June 25, 1940, and shortly thereafter, the couple embarked on missionary service in China in October 1940.
World War II Missionary Work and Internment
In early 1941, the Smiths were evacuated to the Philippines amid growing tensions in Asia. After the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in December 1941, the Smith family—along with their infant son—was imprisoned at the Baguio Internment Camp until their release in February 1945. Following their release, Winifred and their son returned to the U.S., while Smith stayed in the Philippines, serving as Interim Executive of the Philippine Federation of Churches until the end of 1945.
Post-War Missionary Work
After a period of recuperation, the Smiths resumed their missionary service in China in 1947. However, their time was cut short by illness and the rise of the Communist regime, prompting their return to the United States over the course of 1948 and 1949. During the 1950s, Smith served as a pastor for congregations in California and Michigan before joining the faculty of Christian Theological Seminary in 1956. He later earned his doctorate in theology from Union Theological Seminary in 1961.
Leadership in Global Missions
In 1964, Smith joined the Division of Overseas Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He held various leadership roles, including Director of the Department of East Asia, Associate Executive Secretary for the Department of India and Nepal, and Dean of the College of Missions. In these roles, Smith worked closely with mission partners across Asia, emphasizing collaboration and mutual learning.
Legacy and Passing
After retiring in 1976, Smith and his wife continued to serve, co-pastoring and taking on interim appointments with congregations in Georgia, Missouri, Tennessee, and Virginia. Joseph M. Smith passed away on January 15, 2011, in Blacksburg, Virginia, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to faith, education, and global service.
For more information, visit the Disciples of Christ Historical Society archives, which hold the Joseph M. Smith Biographical File and his papers.