Who was ‘Bo’sun’ Smith? The Rev. George Charles Smith is today widely recognised as the ‘Founder of the Seafarers’ Mission Movement’ worldwide.Born in London in 1782, he served with distinction as Second Captain of the Foretop under Nelson in the Battle of Copenhagen, 1801. In the midst of this harsh lifestyle at sea, his life was radically transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 1803. Only a year later, he was preparing for ministry. In 1807, he was called by the fledgling Baptist congregation in Penzance to be their pastor. Whilst ministering in West Cornwall, he never lost his links with the sea and was increasingly aware of a spiritual awakening emerging amongst those serving on Navy ships during the Napoleonic Wars. His concern for them led him to launch a long list of innovative gospel ministries amongst both naval and merchant seafarers in Britain, and indeed across the world - the legacy of which is still felt today. Why Penzance? This was the place where Bo’sun Smith would begin and end his turbulent, yet trailblazing ministry. It was the place with which the roving pioneer publicly identified himself, and the place where he was laid to rest. Why now? 2013 marks the 150th anniversary of Smith’s death and so a fitting occasion to remember the great impact this man had locally, nationally, and internationally for the spiritual and physical interests of those on his heart.

Who was ‘Bo’sun’ Smith? The Rev. George Charles Smith is today widely recognised as the ‘Founder of the Seafarers’ Mission Movement’ worldwide.Born in London in 1782, he served with distinction as Second Captain of the Foretop under Nelson in the Battle of Copenhagen, 1801. In the midst of this harsh lifestyle at sea, his life was radically transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 1803. Only a year later, he was preparing for ministry. In 1807, he was called by the fledgling Baptist congregation in Penzance to be their pastor. Whilst ministering in West Cornwall, he never lost his links with the sea and was increasingly aware of a spiritual awakening emerging amongst those serving on Navy ships during the Napoleonic Wars. His concern for them led him to launch a long list of innovative gospel ministries amongst both naval and merchant seafarers in Britain, and indeed across the world - the legacy of which is still felt today. Why Penzance? This was the place where Bo’sun Smith would begin and end his turbulent, yet trailblazing ministry. It was the place with which the roving pioneer publicly identified himself, and the place where he was laid to rest. Why now? 2013 marks the 150th anniversary of Smith’s death and so a fitting occasion to remember the great impact this man had locally, nationally, and internationally for the spiritual and physical interests of those on his heart.

George Charles ‘Bo’sun’ Smith of Penzance Anniversary Weekend Timetable

Saturday 15th June 2013

1pm - Doors Open at Clarence Street

1:30pm - Lecture 1 - ‘Bo’sun Smith - Seafarers’ Apostle’
Rev. Dr. Roald Kverndal

2:45pm - Break

3:00pm - Presentation 1 - ‘Bo’sun Smith and Religion in
the Royal Navy'
Mr. Richard Blake

3:30pm - Break

3:45pm - Lecture 2 - ‘Bo’sun Smith and the rise and fall of
the Cornish Baptists'
Rev. Dr. Stephen Dray

5pm - Tea

6pm - Lecture 3 - ‘Bo’sun Smith and the Sailor's
Hymnbook - 'A Labour of Love''
Pastor Jonathan Stobbs

7:15pm - Break

7:30pm - Presentation 2 - ‘Bo’sun Smith and The Sailors'
Society'
Rev. Mark Warner

Sunday 16th June 2013

Services at Penzance Baptist Church (Including some of Smith’s Hymns)

11am - Preacher - Pastor Jonathan Stobbs

3pm - Act of Remembrance at the Graveside of ‘Bo’sun
Smith' (Penzance Cemetery)
Led by Rev. Dr. Stephen Dray and
Rev. Dr. Roald Kverndal

6:30pm - Preacher - Rev. Hywel Roberts