By GRACE FINN ’29
Updated 11:50 a.m. EDT, 9 OCT 2026
Houghton Wesleyan Church (HWC) recently voted in two new co-pastors: Rev. Bill Allen ‘89 and Rev. Kristen Roth Allen ‘90. Considering himself a “faculty brat,” Bill Allen grew up as a Houghton Academy student, when his father, William Allen, was a part of the Houghton University (HU) music faculty. On the other hand, Kristen Allen was a new Highlander from Fulton, NY, and met Bill Allen while at school. The two married after Kristen Allen’s graduation, later working at several churches and Alfred University (AU). When asked: “Why Houghton?” Kristen Allen said, “God called us back to Houghton. We prayed seriously about it last summer and God swung the door open.”
It would not have been the first time God inspired the Allens to follow His Word. While in junior high, Bill Allen expressed his desire to be a missionary, even while he debated becoming a history professor, to teach and provide the resources for the Word of God. While at AU, Bill Allen was called to guide students as a Resident Director and realized his joy in teaching young students the Word of God. In a similar way, Kristen Allen heard God’s Word calling her to preach. As a child she observed church services, knowing one day she would accomplish the same work.
Although Kristen Allen and Bill Allen were far from HU after graduation, visits to Bill Allen’s parents for holidays occurred annually as their children — Emily, Katie, and Will — later attended HU. Bill Allen and Kristen Allen both agreed Houghton has changed over the years, but remains a tight-knit community.
When asked what he thought of the new Houghton, Bill Allen said, “I think it’s exciting. People think Houghton never changes.” He described the inclusion of the Houghton community in chapel, the new professors, new students and the steadfast belief of Christ as a positive addition to the practice of Liberal Arts. Kristen Allen agreed, “It is a great reflection of the Body of Christ.”
Houghton sophomore Hannah Wagner ‘29 is a weekly attendee of HWC as her church domination is not accessible near HU. Although Wagner supports different beliefs and values than the Wesleyan perspective, she said, “I just don’t know what to think of a woman pastor. My denomination, Presbyterian PCA, is against women pastors.” During the interview process for a permanent pastoral position, the only women leaders were in the children’s ministry and music directory, so Rev. Kristen Allen will be a new adjustment for students like Wagner who do not align with Wesleyan values. Despite the contrast in beliefs, Wagner related to the services provided at HWC. Wagner recounted one of her favorite rituals at the church as the lighting and extinguishing of the candles in the sanctuary at the beginning and end of service. She said, “It shows God is with us. He is leaving as we are leaving.”
With a past at HU and a future in the Houghton community, Bill Allen and Kristen Allen want to help and connect with HU students. If interested in their mission, feel free to join the University Fellowship communal meeting each Sunday from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in Room 10 in the basement of HWC. ★
