Our History
On June 1, 1975, South Mountain Baptist Church (SMBC) held its first church services. Rev. Robert Smith, the founder was in charge of the services. The official organization of the church was held on June 29, 1975. For the next seven years, the family of SMBC grew slowly but steadily with a focus on just the surrounding of the local community. Many of the members who joined during this time are still members today; the Moore’s, the Johnson’s, the Brown’s, and Sis. Velma Walker. After leading the church for approximately seven years, on February 21, 1982, the family of SMBC voted and Rev. Robert Smith, the founder of SMBC became Pastor Emeritus for life, and he stepped down as Pastor. He alternated preaching services with the late Jerry Lee Walker. Rev. Robert Smith was always known for saying, “Hey, hey, hey; I know that I know that I know.”
In 1982, Rev. Larry H. Smith took over as Pastor of SMBC. He brought with him a large number of young people. He was famous for the question, “If your soul was required of you today, are you sure you’re going to heaven without a doubt?” He remained here for seven years as a leader and a dynamic Bible teacher and was known for his punctuality and love for scripture.
In 1989, Rev. James N. Preston who was from Willow Grove Baptist Church took the seat as the new Pastor of SMBC. Under his leadership, he worked to beautify the sanctuary and reminded us that Jesus Christ should be the main focus. He often said, “When you do things for Christ and Kingdom building, you are sending up timber.” Along with him came new faithful members willing to work.
On October 12, 1997, a new young man in the person of Rev. Troy Allen came preaching, “Dressed for Battle…If all else fails, fall to your knees.” On November 9, 1997, Rev. Allen preached a sermon entitled, “How to Have Real Faith.”
In January of 1998, he was called to pastor SMBC and was known for saying, “Don’t raise your hand, don’t raise your hand.” Pastor Allen left SMBC to care for his ailing brother who was also a pastor at a church in California. SMBC was left without a pastor for a while, but God sustained the church during that time.
God knew that His church could not go on without a shepherd and sent one of His best. In July 2003, Rev. Walsdorf H. Jenneford, Jr. was asked to come to SMBC. In November 2003, he became the pastor of SMBC. He was known for his style of down-home preaching. Talk about a love fest! He was very talented, gifted, intelligent, and wise. Many members came along with him. And through his preaching, many members would join the South Mountain family under his leadership. Little did we know that Pastor Jenneford would be called home to be with the Lord in January of 2007. He is greatly missed, but God had a plan.
In 2007, Rev. Quinton Chad Foster came to visit and eventually became the 5th pastor of SMBC. He was a young minister who is gifted in the areas of preaching and teaching God’s Word. He encouraged us to dig deep into the treasures of the word to understand and digest the truths of God.
In April 2009, again SMBC was in search of a pastor. Knowing the situation of the church, Pastor Allen came to preach at SMBC and accepted the call again to pastor the SMBC. We are thankful for the many blessings God has provided us under Pastor Allen’s leadership, having led SMBC for a total of 15 years. Pastor Troy C. Allen was called home in June of 2021. Pastor Allen is greatly missed!
We know that throughout our history God has blessed SMBC and remained in complete control. After the “Home Going” of Pastor Allen, SMBC was led by the Holy Spirit to form a Pastoral Search Committee to identify the next Shepherd. Through prayer, dedication, and direction from God’s Holy Spirit, SMBC called Dr. John Murdock to serve as Senior Pastor. Pastor Murdock accepted the call and assumed the position of Pastor on 6/12/22. The official Pastoral Installation Service was held on 8/7/22. Pastor Murdock brings a wealth of experience and a great vision for the future of SMBC. We are excited about what God has in store for us under Pastor Murdock’s leadership.