Pastor Ernie Smith grew up in Cheshire. His parents were founding members of GBC in 1973. He is a member of the Cheshire High School infamous Class of ‘74. He received his Bachelor's and Masters's Degrees in Pastoral Ministries from what is now Columbia International University. As part of his college Christian service, Ernie taught a children’s neighborhood Bible Club and led a team of students in a ministry to a resident teen high school in Columbia, SC.He was ordained by Grace Baptist Church in 1986 and served in pastoral ministry in East Haven, North Haven, Stonington, and Littleton, NH. In each of these locations, Ernie’s service included ministry to children and youth.
Ernie’s former wife Toni passed away in 2009. In 2020 the Lord graciously brought Ginny into his life. Ginny’s husband Bob passed away in 2018. Ernie and Ginny were married in 2021. They have five married children and eleven grandchildren between them!
After much prayer and waiting on the Lord Ernie, with Ginny’s encouragement, accepted the call to become Youth Pastor of Grace Baptist Church.