Roy L. Smith

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Roy L. Smith – Life, Ministry, and Inspiring Teachings

Roy L. Smith (1887–1963) was a prominent Methodist minister, writer, and editor known as “Mr. Methodist.” Explore his life, theology, influence, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Roy Lemon Smith, commonly known as Roy L. Smith, was a distinguished Methodist clergyman, author, and editor whose ministry and writings left a lasting mark on 20th-century Protestantism. Known for blending spiritual conviction with practical counsel, he earned the nickname “Mr. Methodist.” Throughout his life, he served congregations, wrote syndicated columns, edited religious journals, and published theological works. His life mirrors a bridge between evangelical fervor and intellectual Christian reflection.

Early Life & Family

Roy L. Smith was born on January 28, 1887 in Nickerson, Kansas (east edge of Nickerson).

He attended Southwestern College (Kansas), supporting himself by painting signs. 1908, and that same year married Mabel Conley, his classmate from Nickerson.

He and Mabel had a daughter, Pauline.

Ministry, Writings & Career

Pastoral Work & Church Leadership

In his earlier years, Roy L. Smith served in Methodist circuits (as a “circuit rider”) before eventually taking more prominent church appointments.

In 1932 he moved from Minneapolis to Los Angeles to assume the pastoral role at First Methodist Church of Los Angeles.

He was also a strong advocate of temperance (the movement for moderation / abstinence in alcohol consumption).

orial Work & Published Writings

Smith was a prolific writer and editor. He edited the Wesleyan Christian Advocate (a Methodist periodical), which contributed to his influence in Methodist circles.

He authored the Know Your Bible series (12 volumes) — a set of biblical background, doctrinal, and explanatory tracts, often in Q&A form.

He also published Sermons, 1939 (collected sermons delivered in Los Angeles).

His writing style combined theological insight with pastoral sensitivity.

Because of his broad influence in Methodist circles, congregations, and print media, many referred to him as “Mr. Methodist.”

Historical & Religious Context

Roy L. Smith ministered during a period of significant change: the Progressive Era, the Great Depression, World War II, and the postwar era.

During those decades, many American Protestant leaders sought to reconcile doctrinal orthodoxy with social issues (poverty, labor, temperance, moral reform). Smith’s ministry reflected this balance: emphasizing personal piety, discipline, family values, and social responsibility.

He also belonged to a tradition in American Methodism that valued editorial work and publishing as a means to influence broader Christian thought and practice.

Legacy & Influence

Roy L. Smith’s enduring legacy includes:

• Methodist identity and influence: His editorial role and writings extended his influence beyond his local pulpits, shaping Methodist opinion and teaching.

• Accessible theology: The Know Your Bible series and his sermons remain referenced by students, laity, and clergy for biblical background and Christian instruction.

• Spiritual counsel & character formation: His emphasis on discipline, responsibility, integrity, and faith continues in Christian quotation collections.

• Personality & reputation: He remains quoted and remembered for his pithy, insightful lines, especially in devotional and Christian quote compilations.

Though he passed decades ago, his works are still available via archives and digital libraries.

Quotes & Themes

Here are some representative quotes that reflect Smith’s themes of discipline, character, faith, and responsibility (from BrainyQuote and other compilations):

• “Discipline is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability.”

• “The ability to accept responsibility is the measure of the man.”

• “More people are troubled by what is plain in Scripture than by what is obscure.”

• “The man who cannot believe in himself cannot believe in anything else. The basis of all integrity and character is whatever faith we have in our own integrity.”

• “He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.”

• “The successful man is the one who finds out what is the matter with his business before his competitors do.”

• “We are apt to forget that children watch examples better than they listen to preaching.”

• “The greatest difficulty with the world is not its ability to produce, but the unwillingness to share.”

These reflect recurring emphases: internal moral formation, responsibility, integrity, and social conscience.

Lessons from Roy L. Smith’s Life

1. The importance of integrity and character
   He taught that internal discipline and integrity form the basis of sustained Christian witness.

2. Bridging doctrine and daily life
   His sermons and writings sought to apply theological truths to real challenges in work, family, and society.

3. Publishing as ministry
   He used writing and editing as a way to extend pastoral influence beyond local congregations.

4. Responsibility in leadership
   His emphasis on taking responsibility is timely for religious and secular leaders alike.

5. Continuity of Christian tradition
   He stands as a link between classical Methodist thought and mid-20th century Christian engagement in a changing world.

Final Thoughts

Roy L. Smith is not as widely known in secular histories, but within Protestant and Methodist circles, his voice remains valued. His combination of pastoral warmth, theological clarity, and moral earnestness made him a respected clergyman and writer. His life challenges modern readers to consider how faith, intellect, and action can interrelate.