Editing Frederick M. Smith (section)

==Zion and the social gospel==
Smith was known for his interests in applying the principles of the newly emerging fields of [[sociology]] and [[social welfare]] to the Church's thinking on the principles and doctrine of Zion. Smith was influenced by the contemporary [[Social Gospel]] movement, which endeavored to apply Christian ethics to societal problems, including social justice, health care, and care for the poor, for orphans, and the elderly.  In broad terms, Smith felt the need to address these issues as part of the overall call to "build Zion."  In this way he both embraced and modernized his grandfather Joseph Smith Jr.'s vision to build a literal city of Zion in Independence, Missouri.<ref>Howlett at al., ''Community of Christ,'' 41.</ref>

In order to fulfill his vision, Smith initiated a number of ambitious programs, including the construction of the [[Auditorium (Community of Christ)|Auditorium]], expansion of the Independence Sanitarium (later known as Independence Regional Hospital), construction of an old-age home in Independence originally known as "Resthaven" (now "the Groves"), and a planned agricultural cooperative in [[Atherton, Missouri]].

As part of his modernizing program, Smith was an early adopter of radio. In 1924, the RLDS Church's radio station, known as KFIX (later KLDS), became the first church-owned radio station in the United States to be licensed.<ref>Edwards, The Chief, 182.</ref>

He also presided during the difficult [[Great Depression|depression years]] which stalled or halted many of his projects, as the church faced issues of major financial debt.