Historic Brazos County church marks 170 years of worship and community

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

Helen Marie Wager, who has attended the church since 1952, reflected on what makes the church so special to her and her family.

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

Helen Marie Wager, who has attended the church since 1952, reflected on what makes the church so special to her and her family.(KBTX)

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

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

“It’s kind of like you feel the spirit when you’re here,” Whitaker said. “You know that this doesn’t last without much love, and you really feel the love here.”

“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,” Pastor Whitaker added.

Rev. Keith Whitaker, the church’s current pastor.(KBTX)

As the church moves forward, 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, it’s not personal, it’s business in this church, it’s not business, it’s personal. “Everybody supports everybody else, and it’s been a friendly, good church from little ones on up to the oldest ones,” Spillers said.

Longtime member Mark Spillers(KBTX)

With 170 years behind them, the congregation at Alexander United Methodist Church is ready for the future, while continuing to honor the legacy of faith that has kept them together for so long.

The anniversary event included music from the Wesley Foundation Ramblers at Texas A&M, a Methodist student organization, a sermon, and time for fellowship which included a large potluck-style dinner, highlighting the church’s ongoing mission of openness and service to the community.

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

A live stream of the event can be watched below.