From left: Joshua Davison, Maurice Smith and Roland Seigler. On July 29, Bethel Baptist Church in Monetta honored Maurice Smith as pastor emeritus in appreciation for his leadership and service as pastor of Bethel for eight years.
Smith has also served the community of Monetta and the 22 churches in Ridge Baptist Association as the association missionary for the past 12 years.
A plaque was presented by Bethel’s current pastor, Joshua Davison. Davison said he feels fortunate to have Smith and his wife, Faye, as mentors and parent figures.
Roland Seigler of Aiken, who was minister of music during part of Smith’s ministry at Bethel, was on hand to help honor Smith.
Under Smith’s leadership, Bethel adopted its first constitution and bylaws and installed a committee system of church governance. For the 125th anniversary of Ridge Association, Smith edited the association’s first history.