Rev. Rodney Lawrence Smith, Sr. was born on February 1, 1955 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Jean Robinson and the late Mack Lee Smith. He is the youngest of five children. Rev. Smith was reared in Rectortown, Virginia by his grandparents, the late Thomas and Blanche Smith. They instilled in him Christian beliefs and values. He and his grandfather had a very close relationship, more like father and son. It was his grandfather’s Christian living that gave direction, inspiration and great influence to Rev. Smith.

In 1965, at age 10, Rev. Smith was baptized by Pastor Norman W. Smith, Sr. and joined the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Rectortown, Virginia. He was active in Sunday School, different organizations and many singing aggregations of the church, where he still participates when possible.

On August 4, 1983 Rev. Smith was ordained as a Deacon. Some short years after, he was called to the Gospel ministry. On November 29, 1985 he preached his initial sermon and was licensed to preach the Gospel by the Mount Olive Baptist Church, Rectortown, Virginia. He was ordained as Assistant to the Pastor on August 1, 1989.

Through the encouragement of his pastor to study to show thyself approved, Rev. Smith began classes at Lynchburg Seminary College Extension School at Mount Olive Baptist Church, Rectortown, Virginia. Due to job requirements he discontinued classes. In 1986, he enrolled in the Washington Baptist Seminary. By God’s grace, Rev. Smith was able to successfully complete the four-year requirement. He served as Student Council President during his senior year and graduated from the Washington Baptist Seminary in 1990. In recent years, he has furthered his studies by obtaining over 40 credit hours and certifications with both E. K. Bailey Ministries and Moody Bible College.

In October 2000, God called Rev. Smith to pastor the Mount Nebo Baptist Church in Morgantown, Virginia. He faithfully answered His call and was installed in January 2001. He has been devoted to preaching the Gospel, teaching the Doctrine, and loving and helping all people sincerely.

Rev. Smith is married to the former Joann H. Rector. To this union they were blessed with two children: a daughter, LaVerne, and a son, Rodney, Jr. (deceased). They have also been blessed with a son-in-law, Thomas, Jr., two granddaughters, Alexis and Erika, a grandson, Thomas, III, and a dear niece, Victoria.