Rev. George F. DeFord is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, where he
attended public schools. He is a graduate of Morgan and Coppin State
Universities, earning Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education
(Correctional Counseling) degrees respectively. After answering the call
to Christian ministry, he matriculated at Howard University School of
Divinity and earned Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees.
Rev. DeFord organized Lenten Services for the Route 210 Corridor of
Churches, southern Prince Georges and western Charles Counties,
Maryland. He was the founding president of the Morgan State University,
Southern Maryland Alumni Chapter that has awarded, since chartering in
2005, $41,000 to first time scholars from Southern Maryland
matriculating at Morgan State. In terms of ministry to the least of
these, Rev. DeFord has made his church available to the Safe Nights
program wherein Lifestyles of Maryland, Inc., during the winter months
seeks shelter for homeless adults and children. He encourages members of
Smith Chapel's outreach team to provide meals to residents of the
Robert Fuller Transition House, Waldorf, Maryland. Moreover, he is a
strong supporter of prison ministries; several members are trained in
Kairos prison ministry to minister to incarcerated women.
Rev. DeFord
and his wife Lila, affectionately called, "his girlfriend and wife who
is one and the same" make their retirement home in Pomfret, Maryland.
Together they have three adult sons and two grandsons. He continues to
thank and praise God for the opportunity to serve in the Gospel Ministry
of Jesus Christ.
