Beloved Morristown pastor bids farewell after decade, leaves legacy at Presbyterian Church

The Reverend Doctor David Smazik of the Presbyterian Church in Morristown is set to leave this month

MORRISTOWN, NJ – AUGUST 7, 2020 –The Presbyterian Church in Morristown (PCM) is preparing to say goodbye to their senior pastor and head of staff, The Reverend Doctor David Smazik.  Rev. Smazik announced he will be leaving PCM at the end of August to work in interim ministry and has accepted a position in Indianapolis, IN at the Northminster Presbyterian Church.

Church members have expressed their gratitude, affection, and appreciation for all that Rev. Smazik and his wife, Ann, have contributed to the congregation over the last 10 years.  Rev. Smazik brought new ideas and fresh concepts upon his arrival at PCM in November 2010.  Some of those accomplishments included inspiring and guiding the ruling board to establish forward-thinking church vision and mission statements that evolved over time to help focus church activities and priorities. The “FreshTraditional” trademark showed a willingness to preserve core traditions while adding new elements and approaches to PCM’s worship and congregational life.

During Rev. Smazik’s tenure, PCM added a significant number of new members, including many young families.  He encouraged youth participation, particularly through the support of the Midweek program. Rev. Smazik led the congregation through two major capital campaigns that funded major renovations in the Church on the Green and Parish House.  These renovations opened up possibilities for church use, but also allowed use of the facilities by outside groups to encourage partnerships within the community and mission-based outreach. Smazik sought out opportunities for PCM to prominently participate and lead in Morristown civic, historic and spiritual programs.

Rev. Smazik also supported major technology and safety upgrades, a staff reorganization and provided much needed guidance through the pandemic with creative virtual worship services and daily devotionals.

The Rev. Dr. Ed Halldorson, former senior pastor of the Chatham Township Presbyterian Church for 29 years, will serve as the interim bridge minister beginning September 1, 2020.

For more information about the Presbyterian Church in Morristown, visit pcmorristown.org.

The Presbyterian Church in Morristown is a faith-based community of committed believers in Christ and Community That Matters.  Sr. Pastor, Rev. Dr. David Smazik and Associate Pastor Rev. Sarah Green lead an active congregation, a church governance of Elders and Deacons, a host of community programs, and an executive team of professional staff.  PCM is a member of both the Newton Presbytery and PCUSA.

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