Smith, George B. (1867-1937)

George B. Smith was born in Maxatawny Township, Berks County, PA. on July 8, 1867 to George L. and Louisa (Dutt) Smith. He became a student at Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, followed by Franklin and Marshall College in 1885 (graduated in 1889). He then graduated from the Theological Seminary at Lancaster and was licensed by Lehigh Classis at Solomon's Church, Macungie, on May 8, 1892. June 24, 1892, he was ordained by a committee of the Lehigh Classis and installed as pastor of the Maxatawny, PA. Charge, where he was the first pastor. The charge consisted of Zion's Church near Maxatawny, Christ (DeLong's) Church at Bowers, and St. Paul's Church at Kutztown. In the spring of 1893, St. Peter's Church at Topton was added to the charge. He served this Charge until the end of his life, dying of a heart attack on February 20, 1937, at the age of 69. He was buried in the cemetery at Zion's Church. He celebrated the 25th anniversary of his pastorate in the Maxatawny Charge in June, 1917, and the 35th in 1927. In August, 1893, he was married to Miss. Mary L. Reynolds of Seranton, PA. She died in 1935, survived by one daughter, Arlene Reynolds Smith. In 1929, Franklin and Marshall College conferred upon Mr. Smith the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity. Dr. Smith was active in the community in the Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club.