Meet our Founder
Reverend Burton S. Smith was a profoundly influential figure in San Diego's Faith Community as the Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, San Diego. During his tenure in the mid 1980's, he noticed there were many people in the neighborhood with unmet needs. Especially as the redevelopment of Horton Plaza displaced many pockets of poverty from the Downtown area. UPLIFT is an original "Missional Ministry" intended to lift up our immediate neighbors through regional engagement, creating a simple way for Suburban Churches to serve in San Diego's Urban Core. "Come and See" Weekend's were hosted for those interested in a firsthand walk through the neighborhoods of need and spend the night camping on the street.
UPLIFT which stands for Urban People Living In Faith & Trust, was created from this vision God gave Reverend Smith and his amazing wife, Audrey, for an organization that would reach these people. In 1987 they created a team, a coalition of willing Leaders, commited Donors & dedicated Volunteers to begin this journey.
Reverend Smith passed away in May 2011, but his vision of a San Diego transformed with God's Love lives on through UPLIFT today. His family, wonderful wife Audrey & four sons, continue to support UPLIFT and help us carry the torch of Reverend Smith's work today.
UPLIFT which stands for Urban People Living In Faith & Trust, was created from this vision God gave Reverend Smith and his amazing wife, Audrey, for an organization that would reach these people. In 1987 they created a team, a coalition of willing Leaders, commited Donors & dedicated Volunteers to begin this journey.
Reverend Smith passed away in May 2011, but his vision of a San Diego transformed with God's Love lives on through UPLIFT today. His family, wonderful wife Audrey & four sons, continue to support UPLIFT and help us carry the torch of Reverend Smith's work today.
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Vintage Video:
Founding UPLIFT Advocate Mildred Hawkins :23 Sec Remembering UPLIFT Founder, Rev. Burt Smith's
1987 Vision for the Missional Ministry of UPLIFT :40 Sec |