Reverend Joe Alley
Whaley St. United Methodist Church is blessed to have an outstanding, dynamic visionary, well- seasoned pastor, Rev. Joseph W. (Joe) Alley. Rev. Alley was born in Spartanburg, SC. He was an honor student and a leader at Spartanburg High School, Asbury College and Asbury Theological Seminary. Rev. Alley answered his call to preach at age 12, and he began preaching at age 13 and has since ministered through preaching, teaching camp directing, consulting and leading retreats. His personal faith has grown with his experience and God has become bigger and bigger. Joe is a lifelong Methodist and has worked at every level of the institutional church, from a General Agency to a four- point (church) circuit, always with a clear sense of a vocation to minister to whomever. His previous appointments are Fairfield Circuit; Lewis Memorial, Newberry; CCOM Staff - Columbia; Trinity- West Columbia; College Place - Columbia; First Methodist Church - Clover and Executive Director of The Cooperative Ministry. Rev. Alley has been honored locally and statewide for his efforts to improve our communities and the lives of our citizens. He was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor. Rev. Alley Was recognized by the Carter Center in Atlanta for developing a model for churches to minister to the mentally ill. Rev. Alley and his wife Barbara Gowan Alley live in Leesville, SC. They have two children, Lynne Alley-Grant, a minister in Virginia, and Joseph Alley, Jr., Director of Canoeing for Kids. Joe Alley's opening sermon at Whaley St. UMC on June 16, 2002 has called the congregation to grow "161 by January 1, 2003.
His pastor's letter will be posted on this page soon.