Pastor Richard and Missionary Deloris Smith grew up together and schooled in rural Ralls and Audrain counties.  After spending 5 years in the military, Pastor Smith and family settled in Des Moines, Iowa.  He was saved in the early 1960s and served as Deacon at New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ, Des Moines, Iowa under Bishop M. Goodman as their Pastor.  Pastor Smith received the call to the ministry shortly thereafter.

Elder Smith soon felt the strong leading of the Lord to return to Missouri.  He moved his family to Vandalia, Missouri, (Sister Smith's hometown) in 1965.  They purchased an old apartment building and converted it into a church.  Pastor Smith was ordained in 1966 by Bishop V.M. Barker.  Sister Smith along with Sister Bertha Jackson received their Missionary licenses during the State Convocation of 1989.