Bishop Leo Smith is a humble servant of God. He is highly anointed, and a gifted deliverer of the word of God. Bishop Smith is the shepherd of Grace Temple Memorial Church of God in Christ in East Palo Alto, California. Prior to his elevation to Jurisdictional Prelate, he served as the Superintendent of the Peninsula District, in the California Western Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction under the late Prelate, Bishop Jessie Dickens.  

​

Bishop Smith was born October 6, 1962, to the late Lee Vernon and Geraldine Smith.  On September 30, 1969 at the young age of 7, he was saved and filled with the Holy Ghost. Though he received his formal calling to the ministry in 1980, he began preaching the word of God in grade school at lunch time. It was clear to see the calling already evident in his life.

​

When the Lord called him into ministry he was blessed to be groomed under many great leaders.  The late Superintendent W.C. Caruth, his grandfather, was the person most instrumental in the ongoing development of this dynamic young man of God. Superintendent Caruth discerned the work that God had purposed in the life of his grandson.  It was his patient, dedicated, and anointed tutelage that helped shape the man that he is today. In tandem with the tradition of this grand old church – the Church of God in Christ, Bishop Smith served in, many capacities before he was ordained.  He served as Sunday School Teacher, Y.P.W.W. President, Choir President, Pastor’s Aide President, District President of Y.P.W.W., Youth Pastor, Janitor, Church Bus Driver, Church Cook, District Union Meeting President and Assistant Pastor.  This dedicated young man was focused on serving his Creator and was ordained on July 25, 1983.  Shortly thereafter, he was appointed Pastor of True Holiness Church of God in Christ in 1984, following in his grandfather’s footsteps.  

​

On October 26, 1998, he founded House of Prayer COGIC.  He went on to pastor at Pilgrim COGIC for twelve years, and in 2009 was chosen and appointed to be the Pastor of Grace Temple Memorial COGIC. Under his visionary leadership, Grace Temple has developed a successful food ministry which provides assistance in the community to those in need.  Bishop Smith focused on the dream of his predecessor & former pastor of Grace Temple – the  late Superintendent Clifton McCalister to one day have a day care facility on site.  Bishop Smith was the driving force which spearheaded the opening of the Aptmon Preschool. The school currently serves from 40-60 preschoolers weekly.  Bishop’s keen vision and impeccable insight into the needs of the community compelled him to bring a dream to fruition.; in keeping with his desire to serve the community at large, Bishop has appointed a special team to coordinate the annual toy giveaway program which impacts nearly 200 at risk youth. One of his mottos is “Our business is soul business,” which is apparent by his involvement in the community and evidenced by the multiple/active programs within Grace Temple Memorial Church of God in Christ.

 

Bishop Smith married the love of his life Lady Gisele Smith on April 25, 2020.  He is the devoted son to Mother Geraldine Smith and proud father of his adult son Will and step-daughter Olivia Chilton. His favorite leisure activities include cooking and fishing.   

 

Bishop Smith preaches & teaches the word of GOD with power, authority, and conviction.  He is truly blessed and highly favored.