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The congregation of First Methodist Church sings a hymn. The church celebrated the 148th anniversary of the founding of the congregation during special services on Sunday, March 2. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)

The Roach family was recognized for making a donation of the church’s carillon system in memory of Janice Banks Roach. It was the first time the carillon bells had rung at the church since 1988. Pictured are, from left, Julianne Roach Moore, John Roach, Jill Roach Bryant, David Bryant, Anabell Bryant, and Lance Smith. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)

City of Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson, right, presented FMC Senior Pastor Dr. Kenneth Jackson, left, with a proclamation highlighting the church’s achievements and historical milestones. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)

Dr. Kenneth Jackson speaks at the services. He has been the senior pastor at FMC since 2021. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)

Dr. John Ed Mathison was the guest speaker for the services. Mathison is prominent in the Methodist community. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)

FMC Senior Pastor Dr. Kenneth Jackson holds a message with local children of the church. The children's ministry is a large part of the success the church has seen over the years. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)

First Methodist Church Andalusia celebrated the 100th anniversary of the sanctuary and 148th anniversary of the founding of the congregation during special services on Sunday, March 2.

First Methodist Church has seen 49 pastors in its history. Dr. Kenneth Jackson, who has served in the current role of senior pastor since 2021, welcomed everyone in attendance.

“Many of our special guests came from out of town, and I am glad to be here with you today as we celebrate these two anniversaries and worship together,” Jackson said.

The church began in 1877 when Rev. D.W. Hasty arrived in Andalusia to spread the Methodist message. Organizing the town’s first Methodist service, he ignited a spark of faith among a small group of 30 people. This spark evolved into a guiding light for future generations.

The first church building, completed in 1884 using timber transported by ox-drawn wagons from Bagdad, Florida, marked the beginning of the church’s journey. This original site is now home to Regions Bank.

A second church was constructed on Church Street between 1902 and 1904. This building, dedicated in 1906, became a hub for the community, but was destroyed by fire. In 1924, the church rose from the ashes with a new brick structure completed in 1925.

The church’s original 32 carillon bells, a gift from Mr. and Mrs. John G. Scherf, were dedicated in February 1948. They were purchased and installed at a cost of $36,000. They were heard throughout the city for 40 years.

The church continued to evolve, adding an education building in 1955 to accommodate children’s activities and underwent significant renovations in 1967 after another fire. The result was the present-day sanctuary. In 1977, the church expanded further with a 10-room parsonage at 207 Fourth Ave., enhancing its support for pastoral leadership.

In 1988, the old carillons were sold to Rose Hills Memorial Park in California. Plans were made to install a new electronic carillon system but that did not materialize and the FMC bell tower remained silent.

By 2002, the congregation embarked on a major fundraising campaign, raising over $1 million to construct a multi-purpose facility completed in 2001. This new building includes administrative offices, Sunday school rooms, and a large youth area.

In 2018, the church expanded once again with the addition of a children’s wing and needed renovations to the sanctuary and fellowship hall. The congregation embraced the opportunity to enhance the facilities, brought their resources together, and raised another $1 million toward a $2 million project. The new building and renovations were completed in 2019.

On Oct. 16, 2022, the congregation of First United Methodist Church Andalusia voted at a special called Charge Conference to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church. A vote was held to align the congregation with the newly formed Global Methodist Church.

In 2024, a conversation began concerning the bells and bringing them back to the church. John Roach presented FMC with the funds to return the bells in memory of his late wife, Janice Banks Roach.

Members of the Roach family were recognized during Sunday’s special services. John Roach said his wife Janice enjoyed participating with the children of the church.

“We are here today to honor my wife who was so active in the children’s department. The bells are a way to honor and remember her in the church,” John said. “This church is not the building and the stained-glass windows. It is the people who give so much and are open, friendly, and caring.”

One of his daughters Jill Roach Bryant said she and her sister grew up as an active part of the church’s youth group.

“When we first moved to Andalusia in 1981, the bells were still ringing,” Jill said. “To bring the bells back is to the glory and honor of God. It is also a way to recognize the good things He has done for this church and its members as well as our town. We are blessed.”

Church members, both former and current, gathered for a reception in the Fellowship Hall before the services began. Among those were a few who returned to the church for the first time in many years.

Lynne Jones of Florala said she last visited 35 years ago. For her, the church was instrumental in raising her two children: Thomas Jones of Chicago, and Darcy Jones, of Freeport, Florida.

“This church was significant to me in raising my children. It was a part of my village,” Jones said.

Judy Studstill of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, attended the services for the first time in 25 years. She grew up in the church with family members.

“We always came down here between Sunday school and church. We enjoyed orange Crush and doughnuts before we went upstairs in the sanctuary,” Studstill said.

Brothers Bill and David Anthony, who now reside in Birmingham, made their way to Andalusia for the first time in seven years. They recalled early memories from their days attending the church.

“As a young boy, my brother and I would walk down the hall into the fellowship hall. We drank Coca-Cola with our granddad and had a good visit with him every Sunday morning. Being back today brings back a lot of great memories,” Bill said.

“The ladies of the church always did wonderful luncheons after the services. They always had a prayer and were very kind. We try to come back for special events such as homecomings or if someone we know has a funeral here. It was tough when the sanctuary burned, and we had to move services for a few years. The old sanctuary carries a lot of memories to us when I was about 9 or 10 years old,” David said.

The guest speaker during Sunday’s services was Dr. John Ed Mathison, who has been a prominent voice in Methodism since 1964. Mathison spoke on a message entitled “Celebrate the Past – Anticipate the Future.”

“It is an honor to be here on a day of history. On this day, remember who brought us here,” Mathison said. “It’s easy to forget what is our mission. The three things that must stay the same are Jesus, the message, and the mission. We have to be willing to take risks in three areas: vision, opportunities, and possibilities. First Methodist, God signed His name to a blank check and said to the church here, ‘Fill it in.’ What are you willing to fill it in for the future? Some things must stay the same, and some can’t stay the same. The future is truly exciting for First Methodist Church Andalusia.”

Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson also presented a proclamation to Rev. Jackson and the church celebrating the two milestones.

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