Rev. Dr. Gary Brady

Pastor since 2020

At the age of sixteen Gary experienced a radical encounter with Christ which led to a call to preach soon afterwards. The night he received Christ at an old-fashioned Baptist tent revival meeting, his intent was only to be with his high school sweetheart, Jane Thompson.  Gary and Jane, both from Thomasville, were married two years later. They will celebrate 55 years of marriage this year (2022). In more than five decades of ministry together, they have served nine churches in Alabama Florida, and Georgia

 

They are the proud parents of three children and grandparents of eight grandchildren.

 

Gary holds a bachelor’s degree from Southeastern University (Lakeland, Florida), a Master’s degree from FSU (Department of Religion - Tallahassee, FL), and an earned Doctorate of Ministry degree from Northeastern Seminary (Rochester, NY). He was ordained in 1973 as an Assemblies of God pastor and became Christ Church's Pastor in 2020. 

 

Aside from his fulfilling ministry, Gary has been an avid runner for over 40 years and only most recently slowed his gait to a brisk walk. He loves being with his family and enjoys hunting, shooting firearms, and fishing.

Anastasia Franklin

Worship Leader since 2022

Ana Franklin (23) is a mom to Stanley “Trace” Franklin III, born in 2021, and the wife of four years to Stanley Franklin Jr. 

 

Anastasia and her husband moved to Albany June of 2021 to open Cornerstone Coffee + Co, located in downtown Albany, on 100 Pine Ave.  She is originally from Bluffton, South Carolina. 

 

Ana joined the Christ Church staff in early Spring 2022 and has already proven to be a wonderful asset to the church’s ministry.  She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Georgia Southern University. Ana has played piano since she was seven years old and says, “This was my first introduction to how I learned to worship God.” 

 

She is excited about the new transition to Christ Church and believes her experience in Worship Leadership will help take the worship experience of the church to a level that will bring in more young families like hers.  “The people here genuinely and unconditionally love Jesus, each other, and the community, and I think that should be shared with all of Albany.” 

 

Anastasia loves the outdoors and seeing new places with friends and family. She anticipates a trip to the Grand Canyon in the future, a place she has always dreamed of visiting.

Catherine Ivey

Office Manager since 2011

A native of Leesburg, GA, Cathy has been a Christian all her life.  She attended Lee County schools up to tenth grade and graduated from Terrell Academy – Dawson, GA in 1987.

 

She is married to Bubba (since 1991) and has grown children.  Leigh Ann, lives in Atlanta, GA.  Her oldest son, Gaughf, graduated from VSU in 2017 and is married to the former Alley Wilson.   Another son, Chapman, graduated from VSU in 2019 and is married to the former Bekah Henry.  Her youngest child is, Anna Catherine, who is currently in college (UGA) to pursue a degree in the medical field.  

 

After working at Phoebe Putney for 19 years, Cathy made a change in her career and began her administrative duties at Christ Church in July 2011.  She is a member of the Professional Administrators of the United Methodist Connectional Structure.  She received her Certification in 2012 and Advanced Certification in 2014.  

 

Her hobbies include fishing, boating, walking, photography, and her heart belongs to family, friends, animals, beach/lake, and key lime pie. Cathy is a people person and has a deep relationship with the Lord.  She loves to share with others her favorite verse James 4:8...Draw nearer to God and He will draw nearer to you.

Arthur Lowe

Since 2016

Arthur was born and raised in Albany, Georgia.  Graduated from Monroe High School.   He has two children and two grand-boys who all but one currently live in Albany.


He is retired from Coats and Clark after 16 years.  Arthur has worn many hats with many companies such as Pioneer Chemical, Bobs Candy, ALCON & Pellicano Construction company. That is one of the many reasons he is a perfect fit at Christ UMC. 


Arthur's has a big love for football and follows the Monroe High Tornadoes and Dallas Cowboys every football season. His hobbies include fishing and gardening.


We are blessed to have Arthur take care of our church and its needs.