The little church stands proud and white where country crossroads meet. It casts upon the rural scene a benediction sweet.
Her roots are deep in American soil, well-built with weathered pine, this sacred house of worship, revered and divine.
The Church of Today
Welcome, to Smithfield today. Since 1893 the Smithfield Center of Worship has been standing beside the Piney Creek Road welcoming all residents and passers-by to share in its services. Our lighthouse still bears testimony of God's Love (John 3:16); of the Coming of Jesus to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10); and of the Comforter's power to reprove of sin, of righteousness and of judgment (John 16:8).
Smithfield Church, once a part of the Middle District of the Church of the Brethren, is now a non-denominational church. We still uphold our conservative doctrine with our tenants of faith and mission to reach the lost, serve and meet the needs of our communities.
Our church aims to continue to build upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone as practiced by our founding pioneers of faith (Ephesians 2:19-22).
The Church of By Gone Days
Like many of our neighboring congregations, our humble beginnings began with our ancestors from the area of Schwarzenau, Germany, under the leadership of Alexander Mack who began the Brethren movement in 1708, where five men and three women gathered for baptism. They understood this baptism as an outward symbol of their new faith and as a commitment to living that faith in community.
Though the early Brethren shared many beliefs with the Protestants, a number of issues separated them from the state churches. Relying on the New Testament as their guide, these men and women believed that Jesus had intended for His followers a different kind of life -- one based on peaceful action, plain and compassionate living, and a shared search for truth.
Due to growing persecution and economic hardship, Brethren began emigrating
to North America in 1719 under the leadership of Peter Becker. Most Brethren left
Europe by 1740, including Mack, who brought a group over in 1729. The first
congregation in the New World was organized at Germantown, PA., in 1723.
Soon after its formation, the Germantown congregation sent missionaries to rural
areas around Philadelphia. These missionaries preached, baptized, and started
new congregations.
In 1755, Brethren settled in the Cove area coming through Loy's Gap
(today Loysburg Gap). According to early records, there was a division of territory
in 1858, and all west of Tussey Mountain, including Albright at Roaring Spring,
Smithfield, Fairview, Williamsburg, and part of Woodbury were included in the
Clover Creek congregation. In 1891 the Fairview congregation was organized, dividing the farm families into two groups. About this time, volunteer ministers from both churches began preaching every eighth Sunday at the Smithfield school house, which stood across the road from the present church site.
In 1892 John R. Bashore moved to Barbara (now Clappertown) and became the leader of the Smithfield cause. Jacob D. Smith donated ground and in 1893 members of the Clover Creek and Fairview congregations helped to build a 35 foot by 45 foot church house for their neighboring brethren at a cost of $2,300.
The church was dedicated in October of 1893. Interest in the church grew, as did the desire for more frequent services. On May 4, 1917, the congregation was organized, taking the name of Smithfield Church of the Brethren. Sixty charter members comprised the Smithfield assembly,
with William H. Holsinger serving as the first pastor.
As the years passed many improvements and conveniences were added. In 1929 a furnace replaced the two stoves used to heat the church and a vestibule, new ceiling and kitchen were added. Electric lighting replaced kerosene lamps on May 18, 1939. In 1949 a major remodeling job was undertaken; with more improvements in 1964. Ground was broken on October 24, 1978 for a new addition to our church building, measuring 30 x 40 feet. At this time the original building was completely renovated inside and out and a baptistry was installed in the church basement. Of course, a church is more than just a building. Without faithful followers, there would be no need for additions and renovations.
The Church of the Future
As we look to the future may we never waver from the belief that the Bible is the inherent inspired Word of God. May we go forward together in faith and Christian fellowship, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
The country folk for miles around meet and worship here, to read His word and sing His praise and kneel in grateful prayer ...
God bless that little old church house whose doors fling open wide.
Love and solace dwell therein and faith and peace abide.