The Rev. Diane Marie Smith: A Rich History in the Heights

When Diane Marie Smith was 3 years old, she posed for a photo with the Rev. Baker. The man in the photo turned out to be the founding pastor of the same church the Rev. Smith would herself lead years later.

The Rev. Smith is now the first female pastor of in Chicago Heights. Smith also volunteers on the Bloom/Rich CEDA (Community and Economic Development Association) board and is on the governing board at CEDA for Cook County. She has opened her church for free health seminars offered by Crossroads through St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights. Smith has a passion for the homeless and young people in the community.

Get to know the Rev. Diane Marie Smith better as she answers a few questions from Chicago Heights Patch.

Patch: How long have you been in Chicago Heights?

Rev. Smith: I have been in Chicago Heights all my life. I was a little girl in this church and raised by my grandparents. I went to Lincoln, Washington and Bloom High School. I have a rich history in Chicago Heights.

What has been your most important contribution?

We feed the homeless here. Every Wednesday at noon, we have Bible class and then I cook for them. It’s open to anyone. I have volunteers that come in and help me out or drop off some beans, chicken or beef. 

I go to a lot of food giveaways because we don’t get any grants. We would love for anyone to donate food or make something for us. The food we always run low on are desserts.

I want to also be able to talk about God. I have gone to grant writing classes and was told we cannot talk about God if you are getting something from the government.

We have other ministries as well.  I am happy to interact with the people of Chicago Heights. I also understand the need for good schools. Being able to work with the community has been one of my greatest gifts. As you can see, I’m on the east side. Some people don’t want to come on the east side. I’m most proud to be able to minister to those who normally would not be ministered to.

Who are some notable members of your congregation?

The pastor that was here for 19 years, Rev. Cornelius Harper, who is 82 years old now. He remains very humble, he acts as my assistant. Then I have people here who did not leave when the church split. Bernice Washington, she is one that stayed and has been a big help.

Tell us one special story about your congregation.

This church is named after Rev. Baker. My brother researched about this church, which used to be called St. James. He found a picture of me at the age of 3 with Rev. Baker, who is the founder of this church. That is endearing. Now I’m the pastor of this church. 

I’m thankful I’m still here. I don’t think my congregation realizes the impact, the humility I feel when I stand in the pulpit. That’s the same pulpit I used to stand in and do Easter speeches when I was a little girl.  I want only the best for this church. I was born into this church. I’m humbled to be here at Baker.

I was born a CME. I’ll die a CME.

Baker Memorial CME Church offers a Tuesday Bible class at 6:30 p.m., a Wednesday Bible class and free lunch at noon, and Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. with an 11 a.m. worship time.