Light of the World leaders unite in marriage

STOCKBRIDGE—It’s the season for love. Archbishop Ruth W. Smith, senior pastor of Light of the World Christian Tabernacle International, and Dr. Rickie Holmes are celebrating their new life together. The two wed on Jan. 30 at their Stockbridge church, which was filled to capacity with family, friends and congregation members.

Archbishop Smith has found love again, after being a widow for two years.  Dr. Holmes, a minister of Light of the World, had been a family friend and served for years under the late Archbishop Jimmie L. Smith.  The Archbishop, who had fallen ill for several months and was awaiting a kidney transplant, died of a heart attack at age 60 on Jan. 11, 2008.  Thousands attended the Jan. 19 funeral, honoring him on that snowy day as a trailblazer who paved the way for mega churches, and opened the doors to allow female pastors in the pulpit.

“I think my dad would have been very proud that Ruth found someone to marry such as Dr. Holmes. He is very well-respected and will make her a good husband,” said Jermaine Smith, son of the late Archbishop.

Smith was one of several family members who attended the wedding. Lee Ethel Williams, the 91-year-old mother of the bride, and Roderick E. and Ezera Holmes, parents of the groom, also attended. A number of bishops and ministers under Light of the World’s ministry attended the wedding from as far away as London, England and the Cayman Islands.

Dr. Michael Lake, one of the officiating ministers, blessed the couple’s lives, saying “God is going to give you prophetic vision for strategic planning in the kingdom of God.”

Dr. Belinda Campbell, the other officiating minister, served the couple Holy Communion.

This month, the Holmes will travel to Lagos, Nigeria for a missions trip. They plan to honeymoon later, said the wedding coordinator, Lawanna Slack.