In his youth, H. Lester Smith felt the urge to abandon his early choice of an industrial career in the oil fields of Pennsylvania and turn his steps toward educational preparation for ordained ministry.
Harry married Ida L. Martin, who was an active youth worker in one of the churches he pastored.
One son, Edward Marshall, was born to this marriage, who died at the age of thirty-five.
Harry Lester Smith served as an Associate Pastor of the Methodist Church at Bellevue, near Pittsburgh.
During this time, his skill and interest in the work of the church was noticed, causing thought that he would be a suitable candidate for bishop.