[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 157 (Wednesday, September 28, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E991]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN ALEXANDRIA, LOUISIANA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JULIA LETLOW

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2022

  Ms. LETLOW. Madam Speaker, today I want to honor the First United 
Methodist Church of Alexandria and its 175 years of service to its 
congregation and the community.
  The First United Methodist Church of Alexandria has an incredibly 
rich history. In 1847, they were known as the Methodist Church 
Episcopal South, then recognized as the Methodist Church Episcopal 
South, where they incorporated the introduction of Methodism in Central 
Louisiana by the intrepid Methodist Circuit Riders.
  Initially, the congregation would come together among various venues 
for services. The first church building is thought to have been on 
Front Street, among additional locations, until most of Alexandria was 
burned by Union troops as they retreated down the Red River in 1864.
  The church was rebuilt in 1907, with the new sanctuary located at 630 
Jackson Street. In 1927, the construction of an education building 
followed. Both buildings stand proudly today, having served the 
Methodists of Alexandria and other congregations since 1968.
  In 1968, the church relocated to its current location at 2727 Jackson 
Street in Alexandria's historic Garden District. The church has since 
been expanded and updated to better serve the Congregation and the 
growing needs of Alexandria and the CenLa region.
  Among the church community are 69 pastors, many associate pastors, 
staffers, and lay leaders that have guided and supported the church as 
it serves the community through various organizations and initiatives 
such as sponsoring a Boy Scout Troop, an annual arts festival, Buddy 
Camp, and Fostering the Community Care Closet.
  Today, I come before the House to honor the First United Methodist 
Church of Alexandria on its 175th anniversary and applaud the service 
they have shown to the people of Central Louisiana.

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