Rev. Lester A. Smalls – Pastor’s Biography

Pastor Smalls is the esteemed leader of Bell Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where he has faithfully served for 25 years. A native of Manhattan, NY, he was raised in Aiken, SC, and from a young age, the seniors in his community recognized him as a “God marked” child. At the age of seven, Pastor Smalls was baptized at Friendship Baptist Church in Aiken, SC, under the guidance of the late Rev. N.L. Bush.

His journey in ministry began in 1994 when he was licensed to preach the Gospel by the late Rev. Alf Mills, Jr., and Friendship Baptist Church. As he delved deeper into his calling, Pastor Smalls served as the Minister of Music at First Providence Baptist Church in North Augusta, SC. In 1999, he was ordained by the Rev. Dr. Alexander Pope, Jr., and the Mt. Canaan Association.

Pastor Smalls shares his life’s journey with his beloved wife, Elect Lady Gwendolyn L. Smalls, a retired Registered Nurse. Together, they are parents to seven children—six daughters and one son. Mrs. Smalls, being a “PK” (preacher’s kid) herself, was well-prepared for her role as a Pastor’s wife, being the youngest daughter of the late Rev. Raymond Strom, a Presiding Elder in the AME Church, and Bertha Ruth Yeldell Strom.

Education played a crucial role in shaping Pastor Smalls’ early years. He primarily attended schools in the Aiken County School System, graduating in 1970 from Martha Schofield High School, Aiken, SC. During high school, he actively participated in the band, choir, basketball, and track. Despite receiving full scholarships in basketball and track to various colleges, he chose to pursue a track scholarship at USC at Aiken after a year at South Carolina State College.

After receiving a draft notice from the Selective Service during college, Pastor Smalls served in the U.S. Air Force before returning to Aiken. He dedicated over 20 years of service to the Savannah River Site before transitioning to roles in the Roll Products and Human Resources departments at the Kimberly-Clark Corporation.

In 1999, the call to lead Bell Grove Missionary Baptist Church came, and Pastor Smalls embraced this divine assignment. In his pursuit of spiritual growth and leadership excellence, he pursued further studies at Southern Bible Institute and Seminary, earning a master’s degree in theology. Additionally, he is a proud member of The Society of Church Consultants.

Pastor Smalls has consistently invested his gifts and talents in both the church and the broader community. His life’s motto, “We all can make a difference in the community through Christ our Lord and Savior,” reflects his commitment to positively impact lives through faith and service.