South Yorkshire Times November 29, 1919
Fifty Years A Preacher.
Death of Mr. George Smith, Roman Terrace
The death occurred on Monday, after a brief illness, of Mr. George Smith, of Roman Terrace.
Mr. Smith was 85 Years of age, and for years had been one of most familiar figures in local Wesleyan Methodist circles. He had the splendid and distinctive record of having served as a local preacher in the Wath circuit for fifty years, and his sermons were noted for their devout impressiveness.
He was one of the most ‘prominent members of the Roman Terrace Wesleyan Church –indeed he was the only surviving founder of the present Sunday school, formerly used as the church – and by a large number of people he will be greatly missed for his kindness, sincerity and charity.
Mr Smith spent his early days at Hooton Roberts when he worked in stone quarries. Even as a young man he took a deep and active part in preaching the doctrines of Methodism, and was converted before he reached the age of 20. He regularly walk from Hooton Roberts to Adwick to conduct cottage services, and preached his first sermon in a joiner’s shop in that village. While still a young man he took over a grocery business at Elsecar, when he transferred to Roman Terrace over 40 years ago.
At that time there was a handful of Wesleyan Methodist in Roman Terrace, though what this little community marked in numbers they made up in enthusiasm. Mr Smith quickly became one of the recognised leaders of the 1st to collect money for the erection of a local chapel. He had the honour been appointed the first superintendent at the Sunday School also the first president of the local branch of the Band of Hope Unique, a position he held until a short time before his death. On the attainment of his half century as a local preacher, he was the honoured guest of his, fellow members of the Church, and the high esteem and effect ion in: which he was held were reflected in the heartfelt tributes paid on that occasion, to himself and his work by the most prominent of the circuit ministers. He later presented two framed pictures of himself and John Wesley to the Wesleyan Church, at Roman Terrace, and to day these constitute the church’s most treasured possessions.
Mr. Smith was a very forceful and outspoken man of God, and a well-known evangelist. “By their fruits shall ye know them.” and the fruits of Mr Smith’s Christian ministrations are to be found in the hearts of the people with whom he mixed.
The simple tribute paid to him by one of his nearest friends is more descriptive or his true nature than a thousand words.
“A real benefactor – a faithful friend.”
Mr Smith preached his last sermon at Wentworth a few months ago