Smith was baptized by his father on his eighth birthday.Jenson, Andrew. LDS Biographical Encyclopedia. (Salt Lake City: Andrew Jenson Memorial Association, 1936) Vol. 4, p. 167. From 1902 to 1905 Smith served as a LDS Church missionary in the Netherlands. During part of the time he was on his mission he was president of the AmsterdamDistrict of the church.
Some LDS Church sources state that Nicholas G. Smith served as Acting Presiding Patriarch of the LDS Church between 1932 and 1934. However, Smith was never sustained to this calling in a general conference of the LDS Church. It is unknown whether he was ordained or set apart to serve in this office or calling.