PEOPLE IN RELIGION

NEW PASTOR — The Rev. Benjamin M. Hayes is the new pastor of Southside Baptist Church, Decatur. He is a native of Florida and has served churches in Louisiana and in South Alabama. Most recently he was pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Bon Secour. He has served as moderator of Baldwin Baptist Association, an adjunct professor for The University of Mobile and area director for an extension of Samford University.

Both Hayes and his wife, Sonya, are graduates of The University of Mobile. He also earned master of divinity and doctor of divinity degrees from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. They have two grown daughters.

Hayes’ first sermon will be Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

ASSOCIATION DIRECTOR — The new director of missions for Muscle Shoals Baptist Association is the Rev. Robert Smith. He previously served as pastor of Cedar Bluff First Baptist Church.

He is a graduate of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., and of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Smith and his wife, Cindy, have three children and four grandchildren.

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