Lead Pastor
Rev. Dr. Ivy Smith
Rev. Ivy Smith was born in Steubenville, Ohio and graduated from Mingo High School in Mingo Junction. She was raised in a church-going family and participated in children’s and youth church activities. Went on to college pursuing studies in television and journalism. Attended seminary, with a calling to teach Christian Education and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pastor Ivy has gifts for administration, preaching and teaching.
Favorite Scripture Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Pastor Ivy’s educational training includes: B.A. Mass Communications from Bethune Cookman University, Daytona Beach, Florida, a Masters of Theological Studies and a Doctorate of Ministry from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio. Additional studies through Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Trinity Episcopal School of Ministry and Ashland Theological Seminary.
Her work background includes: Proofreader and Document Specialist at Williams Lea Law Services, Wheeling, West Virginia; Case Worker, Montgomery County Job and Family Services, Workforce Investment Act, Dayton, Ohio; Marketing and Proposals Department at LOGTEC Inc., Dayton; and Writing Skills Instructor at West Virginia Northern Community College, Wheeling.
Her United Methodist appointments include: Pastor, Canfield UMC; Pastor, Simpson UMC, Canton 2016 – 2020; Director of Cultural Relations, Crossroads UMC, Canton 2016 – 2020; Pastor, James S. Thomas UMC, Canton 2019 – 2020; Pastor, Pearl Road UMC, Cleveland 2014 – 2016.
She supports the larger community through: East Ohio Conference (EOC) Program Committee, Chair; EOC Agenda, Rules & Administration Process (ARAP), Committee Member; EOC Trinity Endowment, Committee Member; EOC Board of Trustees, starting Sept 2020; EOC Stewardship and Generosity Conference, 2019; Former: Tuscarawas District Mission and Strategy Committee; Former: Tuscarawas Urban Pastor’s Task Group; Former: Canton Calvary Mission Board of Directors; and Former: North Coast Compass Group Facilitator.
Pastor Ivy enjoys line dancing, water aerobics, puzzles and new recipes. She is married to David N. J. Smith and has a daughter.
Additional Staff
