Dear Members of First Church,

We are pleased to acknowledge the arrival of our new minister, The Rev. Keith Simmons  along with his wife, The Rev. Ruth Simmons.  Rev.  Keith Simmons will begin preaching at both services beginning Sunday, July 1^st, while his wife, The Rev. Ruth Simmons will begin preaching at Avery United Methodist Church in Washington.   

                  The Rev. Keith Simmons was born in Elkins, West Virginia and  graduated from Elkins High School.  He started college at West Virginia University but transferred to West Virginia Wesleyan College and graduated  in 1974 with a degree in Christian Education and Sociology.  He earned a Masters of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1977.  He did his post-graduate work in Spiritual Formation at Drew Theological School in the early 80’s.  Rev. Simmons has been a volunteer EMT and was with the Volunteer Fire Department of McMechen, West Virginia.  He has served the West Virginia Annual Conference as Conference Youth Coordinator for eight years.  He and his wife, Ruth were Co-District Superintendents in the Potomac Highlands for five years and covered the Northern District for nine months in the West Virginia Conference after Bishop Bickerton’s election to the episcopacy.  The Rev. Keith Simmons enjoys fishing, golfing, bowling and has always been a Pittsburgh Pirate and Pittsburgh Steelers Fan.  He is also true to his home state by stating that he also bleeds some Mountaineer blue and gold. 

                  The Rev. Ruth Lantz Simmons was born in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania and grew up in the small town of Rogersville.  She is a graduate of West Greene High School and completed her undergraduate degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College in Education and Speech/Drama.  She earned her Masters of Divinity from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 1988.  The Rev. Ruth Simmons has combated Lupus since 1995 and with the aid of a wonderful physician at West Virginia University has regained a strong measure of health which verges on the miraculous.  She enjoys music and is a wonderful vocalist.  She also loves walking her German Shepherd named, Dutch. 

                  The Simmons’ met at West Virginia Wesleyan College and married during their Junior and Senior years.  They have two adult daughters.  Jennifer and her husband,  Steven Moss reside in Montgomery Village, Maryland.  Laura works in Vienna, Virginia and resides in Ashburn, Virginia. 

                  Please help us give them a warm welcome by attending church on Sunday.  The New Day Service begins at 8:30 AM and the Traditional Service begins at 10 AM. 

                   In Christian Love,

                   The Leadership Committee   

To contact us:

First United Methodist Church
161 West Pike Street
Canonsburg, Pennsylvania 15317

Church Office: 724-745-5771
Parsonage: 724-745-8327

Email: Rev. Keith Simmons