The Rev. Dr. Daniel B. Merry is Pastor/Head of Staff of the Southminster Presbyterian Church in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Dan began his ministry at Southminster on August 1, 2006.

Prior to being call to Southminster, Dan served for seven years as Associate Pastor to Pittsburgh Presbytery.  Dan’s primary responsibilities involved working with the medium and large-sized congregations. He was also the staff person to the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, Administrative Commission for Transformation and the Malawi Partnership Ministry Team.

Dan was born and raised in New Jersey, graduating from Watchung Hills Regional High School in Warren, New Jersey, in 1973.  Dan went “west” for college, graduating from Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, with a B.A. in Communications and Religion in 1977.  Dan then turned his attention “south” when he attended Union Theological Seminary (now known as Union Presbyterian Seminary) in Richmond, Virginia, where he earned a D. Min. degree in 1981. During seminary he served as Student Pastor of the Midway Presbyterian Church in Maxton, North Carolina.

Following graduation from Seminary Dan was called to serve the Second Presbyterian Church in Pittston, Pennsylvania. It was there that Dan really learned what it was to be a Minister of Word and Sacrament.

In March 1987 Dan accepted a call to the John McMillan Presbyterian Church in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. For thirteen years Dan served this dynamic and growing church in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. During that time JMPC grew from an average Sunday worship of 85 to almost 400. It was a joyous time of ministry.

Dan is married to Beth Brown Merry. Beth and Dan met while students at Westminster College and married shortly after graduation. Beth teaches communications at Waynesburg College in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. In her spare time Beth has many hobbies and passions … sewing, cooking, bird watching, gardening … just to name of few.  Beth is also active at Southminster where she is a Stephen Minister, serves as a Deacon and teaches the Senior High Church School class.

Dan and Beth have been blessed with two children. Heather, also a graduate of Westminster College, is a learning support teacher at the Wylandville Elementary School in the Canon-McMillan School District. Brooke is in her fourth year of a five year program at Gannon University studying to be Physician Assistant.

In his spare time, which there just isn’t enough of these days, Dan enjoys exercising, reading and absolutely loves working out in the yard.

From August 2004 until August 2005 the Merry family had the privilege of being loaned by Pittsburgh Presbytery to serve with the Synod of Blantyre in Malawi, Africa. They like to describe the year as "the most wonderful, difficult year of our lives". Click here to read the Merry Mission Journal, a personal account of their year in Malawi.
 

The Reverend Dr. James K. Smith, Sr. became a Parish Associate at Southminster Presbyterian Church in July of 2011. Jim retired after 44 years in the parish ministry in December of 2006. He had served as Pastor of a two point charge in Beaver County at Hookstown and Mill Creek Presbyterian Churches followed by service in Harrisburg at the Westminster Presbyterian Church. In 1969 Jim became the Pastor of Baldwin United Presbyterian Church until his retirement.

Jim was active in Pittsburgh Presbytery, serving as The Associated Stated Clerk of the Presbytery from 1981 to 1992. Jim was also active in nursing home and hospital chaplaincy, receiving Clinical Pastoral Education at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital. Jim was Director of Chaplains for HCR/Manor Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers. He remains an active member of The Pennsylvania Society of Chaplains and served as its President during 1999 and 2000.

Jim is married to Lynne Smith, who is a retired nurse. Prior to her retirement she was Director of nursing, retiring as Administrator of the Villas at Asbury Heights. Lynne is a member of Southminster Church. They are proud of the 6 children in the family and the 6 grandchildren.

Jim is looking forward to his ministry here at Southminster and says "it is never too late to begin a new ministry when God calls."

It is hard for me to believe that I am in my sixth year as a Pastoral Care Associate here at Southminster.  As a “child of the church” it is so rewarding to see the many young families that attend Southminster.  This church was a positive and formative force in my life and in my family’s activities.  Church school, worship attendance, scout activities, mission trips and retreats to Windy Ridge are all etched in my mind.  Please take advantage of the many opportunities available to grow and serve as a part of this dynamic congregation.

I continue to be amazed at the hope and healing work that is done by the Deacons, the staff and the Stephen Ministry team.  If you ever feel alone or need someone to talk with please contact a staff member.  If you would like to be trained as a Stephen Minister please let me know.  It is an important yet meaningful devotion of your time to someone else. 

I am blessed by being married to Gerri Barnes for 35 years.  Our son Justin is currently living in Louisville, Ky.  He is a Metallurgical Technician for Ithica Metals Research.  My sister Jane Barnes is also an active member here at Southminster.  My late brother Tom Barnes was an active member of the church growing up here.  My parents, Tom and Peg Barnes made a wise choice when they moved to Mt. Lebanon in 1951 by joining Southminster (then Mt. Lebanon Presbyterian).

The staff is here to serve you at all times but you are also encouraged to serve one another with your time, talent and treasure as well.  We indeed are ”rich in the grace of giving” here at Southminster.  Grace and peace to you.