The Rev. Stephen Smith may not be a household name, but the Rev. Dr. Patricia S. McAllister believes that will soon change. McAllister, who is the pastor of Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church at 222 S. Fifth St., Columbia, is working on bringing The Stephen Smith Community Development and Multicultural Center (CDMC) to life.

Born a slave, Smith bought his freedom and became an influential philanthropist, preacher, businessman and abolitionist.

"Smith was brought to Columbia from Dauphin County at the age of 5 years old and was sold to Thomas Boude, who owned a lumber yard in Columbia," McAllister shared. "He learned about the lumber business from Thomas Boude, and when he became old enough, he purchased his freedom for $50. He would later become the owner of the lumber business."

As Smith gained financial leverage, he became a major figure in the Underground Railroad.

"In the early 1830s, he was ordained in the Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church in Columbia," McAllister said, explaining that the building that will house The Stephen Smith CDMC, located next door to Mt. Zion AME at 230 S. Fifth St., was built first as a church because the previous church was destroyed by fire. "Later, it became the first school in Columbia for African American children. Then, it was retrieved by a member of Mt. Zion, Mrs. Ada Johnson, from the Columbia School District and used as the American Legion for Negro Soldiers."

McAllister noted that Mt. Zion holds the deed for the Stephen Smith CDMC. "We are very proud to be able to open this historic building not only to honor Stephen Smith but also to benefit the Borough of Columbia and surrounding areas," she said.

Despite owning the building, the church needs help to make the center a reality. In August, it received a $200,000 grant from the Lancaster County Redevelopment Authority, and the funds will be used to secure the building and begin complete rehabilitation.

"This historic building, though structurally sound, is in disrepair and needs total renovation," McAllister said. "It will take at least one to two years to secure the building and another two years, at least, to fully rehabilitate it before it is opened."

McAllister envisions The Stephen Smith CDMC as a neighborhood hub for people from Columbia and surrounding areas.

"The purpose of The Stephen Smith Community Development and Multicultural Center is to provide programs that will address the immediate needs in the community," she said. Plans include after-school programs with a focus on tutoring, homework assistance and reading comprehension; computer and STEM labs; arts and crafts programs; employment readiness classes; groups for drug, alcohol and substance abuse awareness; a studio lounge for recording and filming; parenting classes; cooking classes; food distribution; community service opportunities; and much more. She hopes the center will also provide educational opportunities highlighting the significance of the center through seminars, workshops and lectures.

"It is believed that with a support system like this, youth will be able to achieve success in school and beyond," she said. "STEM, employment and reading preparation will enable youth to go on to technical schools and universities to earn degrees, thus becoming productive citizens. This center is needed for the youth and seniors of Columbia. Our youth have absolutely no place to go for social activities, positive interaction with peers or reinforcement of core values."

She wants the center to be a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can gather in a safe space to engage in positive programs and activities.

"It is important also because the legacy of Stephen Smith lives on with every mention of his name," McAllister said. "It is imperative that a structure be named for him in the geographical location where he had great impact. Columbia, Pa., is the first place that he left an indelible mark. One cannot speak of the history of Columbia and not mention Stephen Smith."

McAllister's goals for the center are lofty - and so is the project's price tag. Estimated final costs range from $3 million to $4 million. The project is currently in a fundraising phase, and she encourages people to donate.

"As part of The Stephen Smith Community Development and Multicultural Center, we know that change starts with people like you," she commented. "Every act of kindness, every dollar and every moment of your time brings us closer to achieving our mission of rebuilding, rehabilitating and restoring the Center. Together, we can create a positive, safe and compassionate space for our children, youth and seniors. Your contributions will make that a reality."

To support the project, visit https://bit.ly/3Wzu7RV.