Smethwick Church's History
The current Semthwick church was formed by Pastor Bob Rodd in the 1960’s .
During this time was linked with Handsworth. Pastor Rodd served the NEC as a pastor
evangelist. Back in the 60’s public campaigns did attract a large audience, so much so that
two evening meetings had
to be held. The film was shown,’I beheld his glory’. Pastor Rodd is now retired and living in
Scotland, but he could give a first hand account of how Smethwick was formed. There did
exist a church in Semthwick prior to the 1960’s , the NEC should have some records of this.
I was first invited to attend the Smethwick church in Sept.1969, by a member of the
Handsworth church. Smethiwck church at this time worshipped in a room above the Co-op
shop in Cape Hill Smethwick. Pastor C.L.W.Cooke followed Pastor Rodd as the district
Pastor. Pastor Eric Lowe was his assistant.
There were about 30 members at this time, with a group of about 10 young people.
Malcolm Bayliss was the church elder at this time. His father had earlier been president
of the NEC.The young people had weekend camping expeditions which help to bind them
together. Prayer meetings were held in members homes on a rota basis.
Pastor Kenneth Hogdson was the next Pastor in the district. He ran a campaign in a school
in Bearwood and Sis.Clarke joined the church by baptism.
The church moved to the school in Windmill Lane.
