Robert Schnase, bishop of the Rio Texas Annual Conference, announces the interim appointment of Rev. Andy Smith as District Superintendent of the Capital District. Smith will follow Bishop Laura Merrill, who was assigned to the Arkansas Annual Conference last week.

The interim appointment of Rev. Andy Smith allows Rio Texas cabinet and Bishop Schnase time to process the finding of a superintendent for the Capital District. Smith previously served as District Superintendent for the Hill Country and West districts.

Below is a statement from District Superintendent Andy Smith to the Capital District:

I am so happy and thrilled for our sister Laura Merrill upon her election and consecration as bishop. So, when Bishop Schnase called to ask me to serve as interim Superintendent for the Capital District, I feel honored and blessed to say “yes.” I want to do what I can to make a smooth transition for Laura, and for the pastors and churches of the district as we prepare for the next season of ministry.

Robyn and I moved to Austin earlier this year upon my retirement after a 31-year career as a pastor and district superintendent. I spent about fifteen of those years in the former Austin District. In fact, we are both native Austinites, having graduated together from Anderson High School.

We are active members of Saint John’s UMC. Both of our adult children, and our three granddaughters, live in Austin, as well.

I look forward to serving the churches of the Capital District for the next several months.