Honoring a Gospel Legend: The Homegoing Service of Richard Smallwood

Richard Smallwood, the renowned gospel composer, pianist, and choir director, passed away on December 30, 2025, at the age of 77.

His death sent shockwaves through the gospel community, as his music had become the soundtrack of faith for countless believers.

Known for timeless anthems like Total Praise, Center of My Joy, and I Love the Lord, Smallwood’s compositions were more than songs—they were prayers that carried people through life’s toughest moments.

The homegoing service is set for January 24 at First Baptist Church of Glennard International in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Doors open at 9:30 a.m., with the service beginning at noon.

While these details are public, much of the preparation remains private, with organizers aiming to create a worshipful atmosphere that honors Smallwood’s heart and legacy without spectacle or celebrity.

Faith leaders, musicians, and influential figures from across the nation are expected to attend, drawn by reverence for Smallwood’s impact on gospel music and worship.

Georgia Senator Raphael Waro, senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, praised Smallwood as a musical genius and a giant in gospel music whose songs provided hope during dark times.

His tribute underscores the profound respect Smallwood commanded beyond music, extending into faith and leadership.

Though the Morgan State University Choir was initially scheduled to perform, space limitations have led to changes.

Yet music remains central to the service, reflecting Smallwood’s lifelong devotion to worship through song.

Attendees anticipate hearing his beloved compositions in a new light—within the context of honoring the very man who created them.

Smallwood’s family released a heartfelt statement asking for privacy while inviting the world to celebrate his legacy.

The atmosphere surrounding the service is described as solemn and prayerful, with every detail carefully shaped to keep the focus on God, faith, and the message carried through Smallwood’s music.

His influence extended beyond the church walls.

Legendary singer Chaka Khan credited Smallwood with transforming her understanding of gospel music, highlighting how his work inspired artists and listeners across genres and generations.

Tributes continue to reveal a man whose brilliance was matched by humility and unwavering faith.

In the Black church tradition, a homegoing service is more than a funeral—it is a celebration of life and faith.

For Smallwood, whose career was deeply rooted in worship theology, this tradition holds special significance.

The service will honor not just a musician, but a spiritual architect who reshaped how worship sounds and feels in churches worldwide.

First Baptist Church of Glennard International, known for hosting large worship gatherings, will provide a sanctuary heavy with history and reverence.

Attendees will come with diverse stories, united by a shared sense of loss and gratitude for Smallwood’s contributions.

As the service date approaches, further information regarding donations and accommodations will be shared through Smallwood’s official channels.

Supporters around the world will follow the event, even if unable to attend in person.

This homegoing will be more than a farewell; it will be a living legacy.

Richard Smallwood’s voice lives on in every choir that sings his songs, every congregation uplifted by his melodies, and every life touched by his faith.

When the final prayer is spoken and the last note fades, the world will remember a moment when gospel music paused to honor one of its greatest architects—a moment when faith met memory and a beloved teacher of worship was himself worshiped home.