Historic Brazos County church celebrates 170 years of worship and community

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – The congregation of Alexander United Methodist Church came together this weekend to celebrate a special milestone: 170 years of worship and service to the community. Founded in 1854, the church is the oldest continuously active church in Brazos County.

Helen Marie Wager, who has been attending the church since 1952, explained why the church is so special to her and her family.

“I love this church and I love this hill and we’ve had some great people here and some really good preachers and the Methodist church has been good to us,” Wager said. “My family is buried here. They’re great and all that. You know, when you fall in love with something, this hill is special all by itself.”

Helen Marie Wager, who has been attending the church since 1952, explained why the church is so special to her and her family.(KBTX)

The church has expanded over the decades with new buildings and modern renovations, but members say the church’s strength lies in its community. The congregation came together Sunday to celebrate not only the church’s history but also its bright future.

The longevity of Alexander United Methodist Church is a testament to the love and dedication of its members, said the Rev. Keith Whitaker, the church’s current pastor.

“When you’re here you feel the spirit,” Whitaker said. “You know this wouldn’t last without a lot of love, and you really feel the love here.”

“For a church to survive this long, it has to be full of good, faithful people who are willing to work, who are willing to serve. And that is a description of exactly what this congregation is,” Pastor Whitaker added.

The current pastor of the Church is Rev. Keith Whitaker.(KBTX)

As the church progresses, leaders are focusing on welcoming new families and expanding their congregation. Longtime member Mark Spillers said the church is built on a strong sense of community and support for one another.

“I’ve always wanted to say, this is not personal, this is business at this church, this is not business, it’s personal. Everyone supports each other and it’s been a friendly, good church from the youngest to the oldest,” Spillers said.

Long-time member Mark Spillers(KBTX)

Now 170 years on, the Alexander United Methodist Church congregation is ready for the future while continuing to honor the legacy of faith that has long held them together.

The anniversary event featured a time of solidarity that included music by the Wesley Foundation Ramblers, the Methodist student organization at Texas A&M, a sermon and a large dinner emphasizing the church’s mission of openness and service to the community.

The anniversary event featured music by the Wesley Foundation at Texas A&M, a Methodist student organization.(KBTX)

You can watch the live broadcast of the event below.