Jonathan Smith (priest)


Jonathan Peter Smith is an Anglican priest: he was Archdeacon of St Albans from 2008 to 2020. Before becoming archdeacon in 2008, he served as a chaplain and a vicar.

Early life and education

Smith was born on 10 November 1955. He grew up in East Suffolk. He studied theology at King's College London. He graduated from the university in 1977 with a Bachelor of Divinity degree and the Associateship of King's College qualification. He then undertook teacher training at the University of Cambridge, graduating with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education in 1978. In 1979, he matriculated into Westcott House, Cambridge to undertake training for the priesthood.

Ordained ministry

Smith was ordained in the Church of England as a deacon in 1980 and as a priest in 1981. From 1980 to 1982, he served as an assistant curate at All Saints’ Church, Gosforth, an area of Newcastle upon Tyne. He then served as an assistant curate at Waltham Abbey Church, Waltham Abbey, Essex, from 1982 to 1985.
From 1985 to 1997, he served as a chaplain. First, from 1985 to 1988, he was Chaplain of City University London. Then, from 1990 to 1997, he was a chaplain to Bedfordshire Police. In addition, from 1988 to 1997, he was Rector of St Peter and All Saints Church, Harrold, Bedfordshire. From 1997 to 2008, he was Vicar of St John the Baptist Church, Harpenden, Hertfordshire. He was also rural dean of Wheathampstead from 1999 to 2004.
Having spent twenty years as a priest in the Diocese of St Albans, he was appointed Archdeacon of St Albans in July 2008.

Personal life

Smith is a youth football referee and is also interested in amateur acting.