Smith, Edgar H. (1907-1976) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Edgar H. Smith was born in London, England on March 5, 1907. Smith initially had a business education and worked in a London office for many years. During this time Smith accepted Jesus Christ as his savior and felt the call to become a missionary. He took a Bible course at the Missionary Training Colony as well as a brief medical course in preparation for his journey to Nigeria. In 1931 he traveled to Nigeria as a representative of the Sudan United Mission. In Nigeria, Smith met a fellow missionary and bride-to-be Nelle Breen of Holland, Michigan. By 1940 the Christian Reformed Church took over the Lupwe-Takum field from the Sudan United Mission.

In 1941 Smith was ordained and was considered a missionary under the Christian Reformed Board of Foreign Missions. As missionaries they would journey throughout the region preaching and attending to the sick and needy. They were able to set up rudimentary grade and Bible schools. They were able to baptize a number of people as well.  Smith also served as the Corresponding Secretary of the Christian Reformed Mission in the Sudan.

Smith wrote articles for the Banner and Missionary Monthly about his experiences. He also wrote a book called, Nigerian Harvest. By 1972 the Smiths retired and moved to Holland, Michigan to live out the rest of their days. After over 40 years of missionary service, Rev. Smith passed away on March 1, 1976. He was survived by his wife and their two children.