As Seen From the Prow
the writings of Brent Smith

"Yes, the world is a ship on its passage out,
and not a voyage complete; and the pulpit is its prow."

Herman Melville

The Reverend Dr. Brent A. Smith

   Brent A. Smith was born and raised in Richmond, Indiana, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hanover College in 1976. While in college Dr. Smith majored in Literature, with a concentration on the works of James Joyce, and received All American honors as a linebacker with the Hanover College football team.

   After several years working in the business world, Dr. Smith acted upon a call to the ministry by entering the Divinity School of the University of Chicago in 1980, graduating with a Masters of Arts in 1983, and Meadville/Lombard Theological School, graduating with a Doctor of Ministry degree in 1984. While in seminary Dr. Smith studied the works of Paul Tillich, Soren Kierkegaard, Mircea Eliade, and wrote his doctoral dissertation on pragmatism and the religious philosophy of William James.

   Dr. Smith was ordained into the Unitarian Universalist ministry and began serving his first congregation in north Milwaukee in 1983, and has served congregations in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. He has published numerous articles, started one national and one regional periodical, has written and produced several adult education curricula especially designed for the unchurched. He currently lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with his wife, Pat. They have two children; Elizabeth and Josh.