By Shirley Shuman
The Lord’s House Church, located on Gauley Turnpike, Ireland, WV, will open Sunday, Feb. 12, with Pastor Doug Smailes in the pulpit. Smailes, a pastor of 25 years in Braxton County, explained that the church is a full-gospel, non-denominational community church. The “contemporary praise and worship” service begins at 11 a.m., and he emphasized that “everyone is welcome.” He also pointed out that the location of the church allows him to reach a three-county area: Braxton, Lewis, and Upshur.
Pastor Smailes earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Education and Church Leadership from West Virginia Wesleyan College. He also holds a Masters of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary.
A Braxton County native, Smailes’s first full-time appointment led to 10 years pastoring five different churches in and around Walkersville. He noted that, during that time, he delivered three sermons one Sunday morning and one in the evening, and the next Sunday he delivered two on the other side of the charge and one in the evening. Following that very busy period, he received an appointment to Christ Church United Methodist and remained there 15 years. Now he’s preparing for his new position.
In addition to providing ministry to the church congregation, Pastor Smailes will also continue his work with Celebrate Recovery Second Chance Ministry. “This is a program for people with hurting, habits, and hangups. Based on the Beatitudes, its 12 principles have been very successful helping people with drug addiction.” The pastor plans to start the Celebrate Recovery meetings in the church within two to three weeks. Its schedule will include a light meal and fellowship at 6 p.m. followed by the program at 7 p.m.
Pastor Doug Smailes is ready and eager to begin his work for the Lord in The Lord’s House Church and warmly invites anyone who wants to join him in worship.