Rev. Rodney Smith-Merkley was born and raised in Chesterville (Eastern Ontario) and studied biology at the University of Guelph prior to completing his M.Div. at Queen's Theological College (where he met his wife Suzanne, who is a high school teacher).

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Rodney and Suzanne have three children ages 11, 14 and 16. Rodney was minister in Bobcaygeon for 6 years before coming to the Buckhorn Pastoral Charge (Wesley and Curve Lake) in January 2019. Prior to that he served 7 years in Elgin and Portland, two active rural congregations north of Kingston. Prior to that he was settled in Bella Bella on the central coast of BC, where he had a wonderful, challenging, and interesting three years serving the Heiltsuk First Nation.

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Rodney works one day a week for the United Church's East Central Ontario (ECO) Region (churches from Kingston to Oshawa) as minister for Respectful Relationship and Indigenous Justice, and is a volunteer with the Bobcaygeon Truth and Reconciliation Community. Rodney and his side kick, Charlie enjoy canoeing, basketball (among other sports), and food!