First Patriarch of Caldwell Liberia Stake Passes Away At Age 76

On October 12, 2024, the Caldwell Liberia Stake bid a final farewell to their beloved patriarch, Arthur G.N. Smith, who passed away on October 6, 2024, at his home in Monrovia following a protracted illness. His funeral brought together hundreds of members of the Church as well as others from interfaith groups, the community, former colleagues and associates, well-wishers, and of course family members who gathered to pay their respects. He lived to be 76 years old.

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Patriarch Smith was the first patriarch called in the Caldwell Liberia Stake.  A spiritual man, he impacted the lives of many people, both members of the Church as well as others in the community.  He served in many callings in the Church, including as a district clerk of the then Bushrod Island District, a second counsellor in the Monrovia Liberia Mission Presidency, a second counsellor in the Caldwell Liberia Stake Presidency, a senior missionary with his wife in the Sierra Leone Freetown Mission, and finally as Patriarch of the Caldwell Liberia Stake where he served from 2019 until his death.

Many who attended the funeral service spoke of his influence in their lives and referred to him as a "very humble" man, recounting instances where he touched their lives through his loving nature, charity, and inspired counsel as he helped them make important life-changing decisions. As they bid a final farewell, they shared the sentiment expressed by someone who was heard to say, "We will miss you, Pa Smith.  Thank you for being a good father, friend, and neighbour to us."

Speaking at the funeral service, Brother David Harris, former Seminary and Institute Coordinator for Liberia, honored Patriarch Smith by using the occasion to teach the plan of salvation and to admonish members and well-wishers to keep God's commandments and stay on the covenant path. He talked about how the Savior’s atonement gives to all God's children the hope of returning to his presence through faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and enduring to the end.

"Let us obey God's commandments; let us love our fellow men if we want to see God again," he said.

According to his wife, Senyeno, Patriarch Smith battled debilitating lower back and body pains that left him bedridden and in need of her constant care. Despite seeking medical attention from many different hospitals in Monrovia, he found no relief for his condition until his passing. Patriarch Smith is survived by his beautiful and dedicated wife, Sister Senyeno Smith, their 14 children, and their 56 grandchildren who live in Liberia and the USA.