MEET THE CHURCH TEAM
Rev. Kennon Pickett
Senior Pastor
Rev. Kennon helps to make sure all events and inner workings of the church run smoothly, while also helping to plan and facilitate services weekly, and help conduct meetings when needed.
REV. Jean Sanders
Artist & Pastor in Residence
Rev. Jean brings art ministry to life through weekly Centering Prayer and art classes, annual retreats, and leading monthy Urban Sketching outings. As a retired pastor she brings the art, ministry, and prayer into a unique form for those who express themselves prayerfull and creatively.
Elizabeth Nix
Director of Music & Worship
Elizabeth directs the music and worship ministry by planning with Rev. Kennon, and by guiding our musicians and congregation into a praiseful mindset when performing.
Carly BRatcher
Program Director
Carly serves as an event coordinator for church ministries, overseeing Family, Children, and Youth ministries and events, and helping outside events run smoothly.
Cathering Lytle
Pre-School Director
Catherine works to make sure our preschool is functional, while helping to coordinate events between the church and the preschool to help best serve the community.
Gar pickering
Creative Engagement Director
Gar oversees media production and technology for effective communication of the FUMCA's mission and ministries within both the church and the greater community.
Bianca Dixon
Financial Secretary
Bianca helps to handle all the church financials, knowing where money is going and how it is being used.
Wendi Bray
Administrative Secretary
Wendi helps to make sure events and daily operations run smoothly, answering the phones.
Jeff Veal
Building Manager
Jeff helps to make sure that the building stays clean and functioning everyday, making sure to get events set up properly, and ready for use.
Vivian Martin
Custodian
Vivian helps to make sure that the church stays clean while also focusing on setting up for any additional events and whatever else might be needed to assist with that.
Our History
First United Methodist Church of Alexandria traces its roots to the early 1800s, when Methodism first took hold in Alexandria under the leadership of Rev. John Harmon. What began as a small congregation has grown through nearly two centuries of worship, service, and resilience. In 2026, the church celebrates 179 years of ministry in the heart of the city.
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Early records indicate that the first church building was constructed in 1847, likely located on Front Street (now the levee). Much of the congregation’s earliest history was lost when a subsequent church structure—believed to have stood on Third Street between Lee and Washington Streets—was destroyed on May 13, 1864, when Union troops burned Alexandria following the Battle of Mansfield. With church records lost in the fire, much of this period remains incomplete.
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A new chapter began with the construction of a church building in 1877, which was later rebuilt in 1888. Growth continued into the 20th century, and in 1907 a two-story brick church was constructed on Jackson Street. Just a few years later, in 1910, West End Methodist Church merged with First Church, bringing the combined membership to approximately 500 under the leadership of Rev. H. R. Singleton.
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Expansion continued in 1927 with the addition of a three-story brick education building, developed during the tenure of Rev. Cleanth Brooks, Sr. In 1968, the congregation moved down the street to its current location, constructing a new sanctuary, chapel, fellowship hall, and education facilities. Since then, the campus has continued to grow, including the addition of a youth and family center and expanded parking across the street.
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Today, First United Methodist Church of Alexandria remains rooted in this long history while continuing to grow as a vibrant community of faith, hope, and love in the heart of the Garden District.
