Brandi Grant-Rigsby preached her first sermon at the Ada First United Methodist Church on Sunday morning, was given a welcome reception afterwards, and served communion at the 5 o'clock service.

She graduated from ONU in 2005, received the master's of divinity degree from Methodist Theological School of Ohio, served Caldwell Memorial United Methodist the past three years, and was ordained an elder in the church earlier this month.

Mary Jo Yeakel served as local pastor during the past six years, which saw a devastating fire consume the church. She led its $6.25 million rebuilding, which was completed a year ago. She has been appointed to a church southeast of Columbus.
(Ken Collins photos)