Board of Directors

Bob Motley, President
Sam Harrelson, Vice President
Maxine Hays, Secretary/Treasurer
Sandy Harrelson, Program Chair
Gary Trower, Trustee
Blanche Gregory, Trustee
Richard Edwards, Trustee

Maxine Hays, Treasurer
Smyrna Cemetery Association
26935 Pike 413
New Hartford, MO 63364

Fourth Sunday of August, held in conjunction with Smyrna Decoration Day which also includes a basket dinner and memorial services.

Smyrna Cemetery Association held its annual meeting on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 23, in the Smyrna Church Building at the cemetery south of New Hartford. Officers elected for the next year were Bob Motley, president; Sam Harrelson, Vice president; Maxine Hays, secretary-treasurer; and Sandy Harrelson, program chair, all from the New Hartford area. Gary Trower of Bowling Green was elected for a three-year term as trustee. Continuing trustees include Blanche Gregory of Middletown and Richard Edwards of Louisiana. The meeting was held in conjunction with Smyrna Decoration Day which also included a basket dinner and memorial services.

Association members voted to make some major improvements and repairs to the 1853 Smyrna Church building which is owned by the cemetery association. The deteriorating clapboard siding will be covered with vinyl, and a new rood will be installed. Storm windows and doors will be added to protect and preserve the original windows and doors. While these improvements represent a sizable cost outlay initially, association members feel this will extend the life of the building will into the next century. The Smyrna Church building still contains the original pews and furnishing, and the appearance of the building remains much as it was at the time of construction in 1853.

The improvements are being financed by contributions from people interested in the preservation of this historic building. Matching funds of $2,000 have been pledged - every dollar contributed by December 1 will be matched dollar for dollar. Contributions may be sent to Maxine Hays, Treasurer, Smyrna Cemetery Association, 26935 Pike 413, New Hartford, MO 63364.

Donations are being sought for the Smyrna Church and Cemetery. During one of the severe storms, a large tree fell on the end of the church causing damage to the roof, siding and foundation. The church has been standing at this location since 1853. There were also some tombstones broken. Although there is insurance, there is a large deductible. Any donations would be greatly appreciated. 

Make your check payable to Smyrna Church and mail to:

Mrs. Maxine Hays
1200 Business Hwy 61 South
Bowling Green, MO 63334

Please mark your calendar for the annual basket dinner for Sunday, August 24, 2008 at noon. 
At this annual meeting, the Civil War soldiers buried at Smyrna Cemetery are honored with a program. 
It is wonderful opportunity too enjoy fellowship and meet descendants. Please join us.