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We regret to announce that our long-time and much-beloved pastor emeritus and friend, the Rev. Dr. John Murray Smoot passed away the morning of Sunday August 27th, 2006.
We've set up this online remembrance guestbook so that friends,
family and others who knew Pastor Smoot
can leave messages, remembrances, stories or other encouragement
for each other in his honor and memory. They will eventually be
printed and combined into a remembrance book for the family.
So, please sign this guestbook
to share your thoughts or memories of Pastor Smoot.
If you'd rather write the paper way, cards or letters may be sent to the family through Central Presbyterian Church, 7308 York Road, Towson, MD 21204.
Thank You!
For more information about Pastor Smoot or about services, please see www.centralpc.org: Dr. John Murray Smoot, Pastor Emeritus
| Name: | Danny Davis | Date: | 5/21/2008 4:05:03 PM |
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| Email: | dandebdavis AT yahoo.com | Referred: | From Central Presbyterian Church |
| Location: | Ruskin, Florida | ||
| I just found out about Pastor Smoot's passing! He was my first Pastor as a brand new Christian in 1974! He was like a father to me, I had the privelege of living with he and Mrs. Smoot in 1975, I rented the garage apartment. He married my first wife and I, and I'm glad I never had to tell him about our divorce! We're probably one of his very few marriages that failed(no fault to him!)Some of his children were like my siblings. The man was a consistant "ROCK" of a Christian!!! He lived Christ at home and at church!!! I knew I was in the presence of Greatness when I spent time with him! God bless his surviving family!!! I miss the entire Smoot Family!! | |||
| Private Message | Date: | 7/10/2007 10:40:55 AM | |
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| Name: | Carolyn Midtgaard Webb | Date: | 4/14/2007 9:29:59 PM |
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| Email: | -- | Referred: | From Central Presbyterian Church |
| Location: | Baltimore, Md USA | ||
| Well, here I am, late as always, just a note of agreement about what a wonderful man Pastor Smoot was. Here it is April and I didn't realize he was gone. The Smoots were so faithful, such a wonderful family and influential in the teenage years of my sister and I (Kathy Agley). We grew up with a single mom (Nell Midtgaard) and Central was really a place to call home. My mom (she is gone now) loved 'Dottie' and Pastor Smoot and all of their family so much. I can still remember him sitting around the campfire with the senior high group singing all of the old songs with so much enthusiasm. Sometimes when I would walk home from Towson High he would be outside trimming the bushes in front of the church and we would talk for a little while. And his wonderful, wonderful sermons. I loved the benediction, when he would always say the same thing, 'Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (copied from the sunpaper obit guestbook) | |||
| Private Message | Date: | 3/2/2007 7:36:05 AM | |
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| Name: | Douglas Smoot | Date: | 12/13/2006 11:37:51 AM |
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| Email: | dsmoot1 at juno dot com | Referred: | -not entered- |
| Location: | Bethesda, MD USA | ||
| I attended Central Presbyterian when I was a student at Johns Hopkins University. I remember Murray as pastor and enjoyed his sermons and his ministry. I also remember Pat Hartsock who was an associate (?) pastor at that time. Those were great years for my growth in the Lord, and Pastor Smoot was a great part of that. I remember people remarking about my name, and my response was always "I'm his brother". Poor Pat Harstock, when he heard that, he tried to do the math, but I'm his brother too, and to this day he remembers me for that. Murray would warn people of that when I came before the Missions committee for short term projects. For the record, I'm not part of his immediate family, though I am sure we are related (distantly)as his brother looked like my father's uncle. While I don't think I always agreed with him, he was a great man of God and he will be missed. | |||
| Name: | Joe & Kathy Troch | Date: | 9/27/2006 7:10:03 PM |
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| Email: | jat8229 AT qis.net | Referred: | -not entered- |
| Location: | Timonium, MD | ||
| Murray Smoot was instrumental in starting our walk with the Lord 41 years ago. When we attended a performance of "Celebrate Life", Murray introduced us to the possibility of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. No one had ever opened up that possibility to us and it occurred at a critical time in our marriage. We came to Central to hear and learn more and Murray always had a sermon that spoke to our needs. We also had the privilege of having Murray celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary renewal of vows. We are truly blessed by God to have been taught and led by Murray. Well done, thou good and faithful servant! | |||
| Name: | Mark McClure | Date: | 9/27/2006 1:39:15 AM |
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| Email: | mmm3boys AT att.net | Referred: | From a friend or family member |
| Location: | Fallbrook, CA USA | ||
| In the late 70's I worked with the Youth and was active in the College groups at Central. Of the many Pastors I have met over the years I remember Murray Smoot as having the strongest combination of being down to earth and yet zealously focused on the Word of God. He often listened to me and gave me good counsel that freed and encouraged me more in Jesus. I never had the sense that he spoke a word out of his own personal need or desire. Heaven is more inviting than ever knowing the Smoots will be there to greet us. | |||
| Name: | Susan McLean | Date: | 9/24/2006 2:06:01 PM |
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| Email: | mclean1110 AT verizon.net | Referred: | From Central Presbyterian Church |
| Location: | Towson, MD US | ||
| As I try to put into words the effect of Dr. Smoot on my life I think of a song with lyrics that illustrate how I feel – although the song is referencing God, I am reminded of the Spirit that was in Dr. Smoot. “He touched me, oh He touched me, and oh, the joy that floods my soul. Something happened and now I know, He touched me and made me whole.” Dr. Smoot touched my life and yet he never knew me. If there ever was an example of what one person can do with a heart filled with God, and the desire to share it – that was Dr. Smoot. I joined Central a few years ago, after he had retired, and in our “New Member” class we were told of how Dr. Smoot had re-started the church with a small number of people (eight, I think), and how he, his wife and children opened their home to all. I am so grateful to have Central in my life, and to be a part of a church that places God’s Word and the desire to “reach out” to the world as prominent priorities. Even with his passing, he requested gifts for missions, reaching out to the world once again. I am happy to be a recipient of his efforts. So, with God’s help, I realize that one person reaching out can reach many others and make a difference. Dr. Smoot is often quoted in my Dorcas Circle. It seems no matter what subject we are studying, there is almost always a “Murray” story or thought that is shared by some of the women that had the benefit of knowing him in the earlier days. They often share the times he has said something or guided them to an understanding of what it means to be a Christian and how we are to share the Spirit with others. I have heard so many of these that I began to feel as if I knew him and yet never said a word to him. Then I heard of his stroke. I saw how he fought back, and overcame much to be whole again. I saw him being wheeled into church, then with a walker, then a cane…He never gave up, he kept trying. What an inspiration in overcoming adversity. Week after week I watched him and felt his strength and perseverance. It would have been so easy to stay home and listen to a service on television, but he continued to come and set the example to all of us. Lastly, I have been touched by Dr. Smoot through the courage and faith that I see coming from his daughter Jan. She is the embodiment of Dr. Smoot. In her struggles with cancer, she still takes the time to update everyone on her current status and with each update… a passage of scripture that let us know she is in God’s hands. Many times the scripture is a reminder that we are all in God’s hands and on His time schedule. Her faith and strength never leave her, and just like her Dad, she continues to be the example of a good and faithful servant, and a Christian like none other. Dr. Smoot’s genes and love of the Lord were passed down to her, and through them - others have been touched. The best we can do is recognize the example that has been set for us, and try to do the same for others. To this very day, I always put a verse on every note or card I send. Jan has taught me to take the time, because often they will “touch” someone as they experience their own adversity. Dr. Smoot and the example of Christianity he set for all, will always be a part of me. I am grateful. In Christ, Susan McLean | |||
| Name: | Jay Brennan | Date: | 9/11/2006 7:44:20 PM |
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| Email: | pastor AT dexterfirstbaptist.org | Referred: | -not entered- |
| Location: | Dover-Foxcroft, ME | ||
| I only knew Pastor Smoot indirectly while I served a pastorate in Timonium many years ago. The wonderful stories I remember of those who had been blessed by his ministry will stay with me always. I thank the Lord for his ministry and a life which only brought glory to the Lord. | |||
| Name: | Gail Seward | Date: | 9/11/2006 7:21:41 PM |
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| Email: | mdseward AT comcast.net | Referred: | From Central Presbyterian Church |
| Location: | Lutherville, MD | ||
| I was a new Christian when the Lord lead our family of 3 and 3/4 to Central. We came one Sunday and we were hooked. I was a Christian and Mitt had yet to become one. I was amazed at how much Murray Smoot loved preaching the Word and telling others about Jesus. That was in 1978. We came one Sunday and we were hooked. I grew like a weed as a result of sitting under Murray and Pat's teaching and Mitt became a Christian within a year. I can only thank God that he lead us to a church where a man completely sold out to rightly divide the word of truth was the head of the flock. Mitt and I are both forever grateful for J. Murray Smoot, his ministry to us, and his life lived fully for the gospel of Jesus Christ as an example for us to follow. With much love, Gail and Mitt Seward | |||