In Remembrance: Reverend Dr. J Alfred Smith Sr. (1931-2025)

On September 19, 2025, Oakland lost community giant, Reverend Dr. James Alfred Smith Sr., who served as the pastor of the historic Allen Temple Baptist Church from 1971-2009. He passed away at the age of 94.

While pastor at Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland, CA for over thirty years, Reverend Dr. J. Alfred Smith’s leadership focused on merging community activism and the Black Church, restoring the values that made Black churches pillars of the African-American community. The former Black Panther East Oakland Headquarters was located behind Allen Temple on the corner of 85th and International Blvd. Instead of creating distance between Allen Temple and the Black Panther Party’s politics, Reverend Smith embraced the Panthers, citing common values around education, decent housing, and employment. His practice of 'Black Liberation Theology' garnered a significant increase in membership at Allen Temple which included notable theologians who traveled from all over the world to speak at the Allen Temple pulpit.

In the summer of 1989 when co-founder and former chairman of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense Huey P. Newton was tragically murdered in Oakland, his funeral service was held at Allen Temple. Reverend Smith while presiding over the service stated to over 1,000 attendees, "We celebrate his (Newton's) homegoing not as a thug, not as a criminal, but as a member of the Allen Temple Baptist Church" (UPI Archives). Newton's funeral service is one of many examples in which Allen Temple Baptist Church under the guidance of Reverend Smith opened it's doors and honored the life of a notable Oakland public figure.

 Allen Temple Baptist Church was founded in 1919 by Reverend James Lewis Allen and became one of nine Black churches in Oakland, the first Black church to open in East Oakland. During this time, places of worship were one of the few establishments where Black residents could receive Black history education, mutual aid, and fellowship. Reverend Smith’s legacy as a pastor, scholar, devoted advocate, and supporter of his fellow community leaders is one that shines brightly amongst the lengthy history of Oakland's Black religious institutions.  

Before his passing, Reverend Smith maintained his involvement with Allen Temple Baptist Church as Pastor Emeritus where he last ministered in June 2025.

Thus Far by Faith: A Study of Historical Backgrounds and the First Fifty Years of the Allen Temple Baptist Church by J. Alfred Smith

J. Alfred Smith Scrapbook Collection at the African American Museum & Library

Interview with Rev. J. Alfred Smith by the African American Museum & Library

History of Allen Temple Baptist Church

Reverend Dr. J. Alfred Smith Interview with the History Makers

Rev. J. Alfred Smith’s Last Ministry as Pastor Emeritus with Allen Temple Baptist Church