OV David’s Diocesan Decoration

Congratulations to OV Dr David K Smith (Br 58-67), who is one of only fifteen recipients of the Diocese of Exeter St Boniface Awards in 2024.

The St Boniface Awards honour lay people who go above and beyond to serve the churches, church schools, and their communities in the Diocese of Exeter.

The citation noted: “David has faithfully served in the Diocese of Exeter for over 40 years as a Licensed Lay Minister (LLM), a PCC Secretary, a member of Diocesan Synod, and as Lay Chair for Christianity Deanery (the Exeter churches deanery), a post he held for over 20 years before retiring in 2023. David is an active member of the community, encouraging and enabling others alongside his wife, Tina, who is also an LLM.”

The Area Dean said: “In all these roles, he displays kindness, generosity, a degree of patience, and beneath some seriousness, a sense of fun. David has served with an underlying joy, even through periods of ill-health. I commend him warmly for this St Boniface Award.”

David added, “Many years ago, I sensed the call of God to serve in the church without putting on a dog-collar. So, I trained to be a lay preacher and continue to be a teacher of the Bible. Later, the need arose for a someone to represent the lay members of churches in the city of Exeter and that was my (very) varied role for many years – I am humbled that the Bishop of Exeter has honoured me for work that I have enjoyed.”