Celebrating 170 Years of Community at Alexander United Methodist Church in Bryan
This past weekend, the charming town of Bryan buzzed with excitement as the congregation of Alexander United Methodist Church came together to celebrate a remarkable milestone—**170 years** of worship and service! Founded in **1854**, this church holds the honor of being the oldest continuously active church in Brazos County, which is no small feat!
A Journey Through Time
For attendees like Helen Marie Wager, who has been a devoted member since **1952**, this celebration was about more than just the years; it was a reflection of cherished memories and personal connections. Wager shared her heartfelt sentiments, saying, “I love this church, and I love this hill. We’ve had wonderful people here, and we’ve had some really good preachers. The Methodist church has been good to us.” To her, this hill isn’t just a place for worship, but a sacred space where her family has roots; many relatives are buried here. “You know, when you fall in love with something, this hill is just one special,” she added.
The Spirit of Community
Through the decades, Alexander United Methodist Church has not only embraced its history but also evolved with modern renovations and new buildings. However, it’s the community spirit that truly defines this congregation. Current pastor Rev. Keith Whitaker remarked, “It’s kind of like you feel the spirit when you’re here. This doesn’t last without much love, and you really feel the love here.”
Whitaker emphasized the importance of dedicated members, saying, “For a church to last that long, it’s got to be filled with good and faithful people willing to work, willing to serve. And that’s exactly a description of what this congregation is.” This sentiment resonates deeply with long-time member Mark Spillers, who conveyed a powerful message: “It’s not personal, it’s business in this church; it’s not business, it’s personal. Everybody supports everybody else.” Spillers highlighted how this friendly community atmosphere fosters strong bonds from the “little ones” all the way up to the most seasoned members.
Looking Ahead
As the congregation reflects on their rich past, they are also excitedly looking to the future. Leaders at Alexander United Methodist Church are focusing on welcoming new families and nurturing the growth of their congregation. It’s clear that the mission of this church—to support, love, and uplift one another—continues to thrive.
A Festive Celebration
The anniversary festivities were a lively affair. The celebration featured music by the Wesley Foundation Ramblers, a Methodist student group from Texas A&M, and included an inspiring sermon alongside a time for fellowship. One of the highlights was a sumptuous potluck-style dinner, which brought everyone together, emphasizing the church’s commitment to openness and community service.
With **170 years** behind them, the dedicated members of Alexander United Methodist Church are more than ready for the future. They hold tightly to the legacy of faith that has served as their guiding light, ensuring this beloved church continues its mission for many more years to come.
The energy of the event, coupled with the spirit of togetherness and love, is a beautiful reminder of what community has always stood for—**support, faith, and cherished connections**. Here’s to many more years of fellowship and growth at Alexander United Methodist Church!
