Josiah Smith (clergyman)

Josiah Smith (1704 – 1762) was a prominent Presbyterian clergyman in colonial America. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, he was the son of the Reverend Josiah Smith (1666-1726), also a Presbyterian minister, and grandson of the colonial governor, Thomas Smith.

Smith graduated from Harvard College in 1725 and was ordained as a minister in 1726. He became pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Cain Hoy, South Carolina, where he served for several years. He was known for his powerful and eloquent preaching, and he played a significant role in the religious life of the colony.

A strong supporter of the Great Awakening, Smith welcomed itinerant preachers like George Whitefield to his church and actively promoted revivalistic preaching. His open embrace of the Awakening led to controversy within the Presbyterian Church, as some members opposed its more emotional and enthusiastic forms of worship.

In 1741, Smith delivered a controversial sermon titled "The Character, Preaching, &c. of the Reverend Mr. George Whitefield Impartially Represented and Defended," which defended Whitefield against his critics and further cemented Smith's reputation as a leading figure in the Great Awakening in the South. The sermon was published and widely read.

Later in his life, Smith faced accusations of financial impropriety and was suspended from his ministry for a time. While the exact details surrounding these accusations remain somewhat unclear, they appear to have stemmed from disputes over property and financial matters. He was eventually reinstated to the ministry.

Josiah Smith died in 1762, leaving behind a legacy as a influential preacher and a key figure in the religious landscape of colonial South Carolina. His support of the Great Awakening and his eloquent sermons helped shape the spiritual life of the region.