Celebration Service Honouring the Life and Legacy of Rev Dr Io Smith MBE

Honouring a Life. Continuing a Legacy. Bringing Hope.

Saturday 19th September 2026 | 6:00 pm

Leyton New Testament Church, Leytonstone, London E11

There are some lives that leave footprints. There are others that leave foundations upon which generations continue to build. It is with great joy and heartfelt gratitude that we invite you to join us for a very special Celebration Service honouring the life, ministry, and extraordinary legacy of Rev Dr Io Smith MBE—a pioneering Woman of God, visionary leader, educator, community advocate, and champion of justice whose influence continues to inspire lives across the United Kingdom and around the world.

For more than five decades, Rev Dr Io Smith faithfully served God and humanity with unwavering courage, compassion, and conviction. As a founding member of the New Testament Assembly, she helped shape the Black-led Church in Britain, pioneered one of the denomination's first church buildings in Leyton, established the Mother Smith School in Ghana, founded the Institute of Christian Training, ministered across four continents, and served as a prison, hospital, and immigration chaplain. Her tireless commitment to community transformation, education, leadership development, and social justice earned her national recognition, including the award of the MBE for services to the community.

This celebration is more than a remembrance of an exceptional life—it is the continuation of a remarkable vision. During this historic evening, we will officially launch the Rev Dr Io Smith Foundation, established to continue her life's work by investing in young people, developing leaders, strengthening communities, preserving Black Christian heritage, promoting justice, and inspiring future generations through faith in action.

We will also present the inaugural Rev Dr Io Smith Legacy Awards, recognising individuals whose lives exemplify faith, visionary leadership, compassion, justice, and transformational service to humanity—values that defined Pastor Smith's extraordinary ministry. The evening will include uplifting worship, inspirational music, heartfelt tributes, reflections from those whose lives were impacted by Rev Dr Io Smith, and a keynote address from Bishop John Francis, one of Britain's most respected Christian leaders and someone who knew Pastor Smith personally.

Whether you knew Rev Dr Io Smith, were influenced by her ministry, or simply wish to celebrate a life of outstanding service, we warmly invite you to join us for this unforgettable occasion. Together, we will celebrate not only what she accomplished, but what her legacy continues to inspire.

We look forward to welcoming you as we honour a remarkable woman whose life demonstrated that faith can transform lives, communities, and generations.

"Honouring a Life. Continuing a Legacy. Bringing Hope."