Bela Smith was a Methodist circuit rider.
Smith converted to Methodism at the age of 18, after having been irreligious. In 1809, he was accepted on trial as an itinerant preacher by the New York Conference. He was ordained at deacon at the 1810 conference, earlier than was usual. He was then assigned to be a missionary to Canada, where he rode the Cornwall Circuit.[1] That year, he served as a guide for Bishop Asbury during the Bishop's only trip to Canada.[2] He was accepted into full connexion in 1811, and assigned to the Ulster Circuit in New York. The same year, he married Rhoda Merwin, from Durham, Connecticut. He was ordained an elder in 1812, and assigned to the Delaware Circuit, followed in successive years by the circuits of Newburg, New Windsor, New Windsor, Delaware, Schenectady, Albany, Pittsfield, Stratford and Stratford. This covers his riding through 1822, when he was superannuated due to severe illness. He continued to preach as his health permitted, but could not meet the needs of circuit riding.[1] He died at age 64, survived by his wife Merwin, five sons and two daughters. Two of his sons, Thomas and J. W., would follow in his footsteps and become ministers.[3][4]
- ^ a b Carroll, John (1867). Case and his cotemporaries, or, The Canadian itinerants' memorial constituting a biographical history of Methodism in Canada, from its introduction into the Province, till the death of the Rev. Wm. Case in 1855. Vol. I. Toronto: Wesleyan Conference Office. p. 216.
- ^ Carroll, volume I, page 229
- ^ Carroll, volume I, page 219
- ^ Carroll, volume I, page 236