Bishop Derrick H. Smith was born on the Island of Jamaica in the district of Nain, St. Elizabeth. At the tender age of 15 Bishop Smith responded to the gospel message and was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and received the infilling of the Holy Ghost that same year.

Bishop Smith often speaks of the Pastors and mentors in his life that nurtured him in the gospel namely Bishop Leslie Lynch (his first Pastor), Mother M.E. Bailey and Bishop Willie E. Pickett. These great men and women set a standard of excellence in ministry that helped to propel him forward.

Also, among these stalwarts are Bishop Randolph Carr, Bishop William S. Barnes Sr., and Bishop William j. Faison who served as an inspiration for his growth.

Bishop smith migrated  to the United States in 1970 and was ordained an Elder in 1971 by the late Bishop William S. Barnes, Sr. during the International Convocation in Baltimore, Maryland.

In 1972 he married the lovely Ann Smith and they are the proud parents of three children, Sharon, Derrick, and Kimberly. They are also the proud grandparents of 10 grandchildren.

Bishop Smith served as the first Assistant Pastor to the late Bishop Samuel Green, Pastor and founder of the Gospel Tabernacle Church in Brooklyn, New York.

In 1980 being moved by the Lord, he along with two other saints established the Refuge Temple of Jesus Christ Apostolic.

God has truly blessed this ministry from which out stations have been established. Namely, Refuge Temple, Bronx. Refuge Temple, McDonough, GA, and Refuge Temple, Myersville.

Bishop Smith is best known for his work in Myersville, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica WI, where a massive Church Complex was built to facilitate the needs of God's people.

It has a large sanctuary, a large hall (The Derrick Smith hall) that's open to the community for weddings, repasts and community events. There is also a school where full education is offered free of costs to the community and surrounding areas.

Bishop Smith has served in many capacities in ministry; Evangelist, Minister, Elder, Pastor, Overseer and Bishop. In 1990 he was appointed an Overseer for the No.2 District in the New York State Diocese of the Church of God in Christ Jesus Apostolic Inc.

In seeking a deeper knowledge of God's word, Bishop Smith enrolled in Community Bible Institute in 1995 and he studied Survey of the Bible, Old and New Testament, Evangelism and Pastoral theology. From that same bible institute an honorary doctorate of divinity was bestowed upon him for his lifetime achievements in ministry.

In 1996 he was consecrated Bishop during the International Convocation in Baltimore by Bishop William J. Faison, COGICJA.

In 2005 he was appointed Bishop of Foreign Fields, COGICJA.

In 2012 he was appointed Assistant Chairman of the Governing Board, COGICJA.

Bishop Derrick H. Smith currently serves as the founder and first Presiding Bishop of the New Covenant Apostolic Churches International. An Apostolic Organization with a heartbeat for Missions and the saving of the souls of men and women.

With all the accolades and titles attached to his name, he says, "call me Pastor." Bishop Smith believes the greatest job you can have is to serve God's people.