The Rt. Rev. Dr. Dabney T. Smith

December 7, 1953 – October 26, 2024

Bishop Smith was elected Fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida in December of 2006. He served briefly as Bishop Coadjutor and was consecrated Bishop on March 10, 2007. Bishop Smith lovingly served Southwest Florida until his retirement in December of 2022. He is remembered for his passion for the health of congregations, pastoral care of clergy, development of leaders, the establishment of diocesan wide endowment programs, support of Episcopal schools, and the establishment of DaySpring Episcopal Center’s master plan. Supported by devoted lay leaders and an outstanding diocesan staff, achievements include the relocation and building of the Diocesan House on DaySpring property in 2012, returning the publication, The Southern Cross, to print in 2015, and the establishment of the Diocesan Endowment Management Program. In 2015, he was honored to be one of the four bishops to be nominated to become the 27th Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church USA. During the months leading up to the election, Bishop Smith said, “We are given the blessing and the gift of living for others with God’s love. I am excited for the ministry of the Episcopal Church in the living ministry of reconciliation. I believe it is God’s desire and our purpose.”

Memorial contributions in Bishop Smith’s name can be made to The Episcopal Charities Fund of the Diocese of Southwest Florida, DaySpring Endowment Fund or The Mary Ellen Smith Memorial Endowment Fund.

CLICK HERE to Make a Memorial Donation on behalf of Bishop Dabney Tyler Smith

Help us Support Congregations impacted by Hurricane Helene.

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BUILDING A NEW WAY OF LOVE

More than a decade ago the Diocese of Southwest Florida had the idea to launch a Bishop’s Appeal to create an ever-growing endowment that operates in perpetuity to alleviate human needs across Southwest Florida. During this time, we also wanted to build for the future of our diocese, by establishing an endowment to support the long-term care and capital improvements for DaySpring Conference Center. Gifts can be given to either ministry or split between both.

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STEWARDS OF GIFTS

The Episcopal Charities Fund of Southwest Florida has just over $1 million in assets and supports and nurtures the unique ministries of our 77 congregations. Each year upwards of 20 charitable agencies are selected as recipients of the fund, further expanding our network of outreach ministries and creating a stronger and more loving future.

2023 Episcopal Charities Fund Grants Recipients

DAYSPRING ENDOWMENT FUND

DaySpring Endowment Fund looks outward towards our community and beyond. In the midst of an ever-expanding city, DaySpring – our 97-acre oasis on the Manatee River – remains a sacred natural environment that supports diverse wildlife, existing as a haven that serves not only our diocesan community, but dozens of charitable agencies and programs dedicated to providing help for children and families. We provide affordable access to more than 5,000 youth each year for programs that support Christian education, mental health initiatives, cancer survival, interscholastic athletics, and handicap-accessible adventure: vital services which work to promote and improve wellness for body, mind, and spirit. The DaySpring Endowment Fund enhances DaySpring for future generations by supporting essential maintenance.

Adopt a Camper

Support our diocesan youth ministry by participating in the Adopt-A-Camper Scholarship program! Your donation sends a child to a camp session they may otherwise be unable to attend, and gives them memories which last a lifetime. You’ll receive a thank you note from your camper, and if you choose, you can inspire them with a note to your camper ahead of their camp session. For more information about this program, contact Matthew Bowers, Camp Director / Director of Youth Ministry & Programming at [email protected].

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EASY, SAFE ONLINE DONATION

We invite you to consider supporting our efforts for 2024 by making a donation to the Bishop’s Appeal this Advent season. We are all the oil of gladness that keeps Christ’s light glowing in our communities.

For each Episcopal Charities donation made, a 10 percent tithe of the gift is distributed in the current year. At mid-summer, parish ministries across the diocese can apply for grants. Each August, the Council of Deacons reviews the applications and makes recommendations for funding, which are announced just before Annual Convention in October.

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