Photo Gallery | SLIDESHOW: Rev. Charles Smith's retirement celebration

About 1,000 people gathered to celebrate 50 years of dedicated service in honor of Rev. Charles Smith of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.

The banquet was held at Crowne Plaza in Baton Rouge, Friday, May 25. Family, friends, and fellow pastors and ministers paid tribute to Rev. Smith for his distinguished career and leadership.

Rev. Smith turned 80 on Saturday, May 26 and officially retired on Sunday, May 27.

The worship service on Sunday was also dedicated in his honor.