On Sunday, Nov. 23, at the 10 a.m. service, the Rev. Pierce Klemmt will preach his final sermon at Christ Church, Alexandria, before retiring. Following the service, there will be a reception celebrating his 20 years as Rector of Christ Church including presentation of gifts and the revealing of his portrait.
Klemmt, a graduate of Yale Divinity School, came to Christ Church by way of Springfield, Mo. He was installed as the 27th Rector of Christ Church on April 28, 1994. During his 20 years of ministry, his accomplishments include:
Engaging with other local leaders to bring a comprehensive set of services to the neediest in the community through the Lazarus Ministry;
Overseeing the acquisition of the Ross Building and the building of the Fowler House and McMurray Commons facilities to provide a home for Youth Christian Education.
Working for social justice in the community, the nation, and across the world with specific emphasis on welcoming Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, and Bisexual members to the church and fighting for greater gender equality.
Partnering with the Lilly Foundation and other church communities to begin the Ministry Resident Program which produced numerous future leaders in the Episcopal Church.
Building a partnership with the Diocese of Renk and South Sudan and working with government, non-government organizations, and other faith communities to bring peace to South Sudan and Sudan.
Shepherding the congregation through a successful Capital Campaign to fund a new HVAC system that will provide a comfortable environment for members, staff, and visitors for many years to come.
Klemmt and his wife Tuke plan to remain in Alexandria after his retirement from Christ Church.
Christ Church, located at 118 N. Washington St. in Alexandria, is home to 2,400 parishioners.