Mesoporous aluminas, X-MAs (X=Na, Mg, and Ni) were prepared using stearic acid and its salts as templates. Sodium stearate, which is more soluble than stearic acid, was an effective template for preparing Na-MA. The characteristics of Mg-MA prepared using cost-effective template (magnesium stearate) were similar to those for an MA prepared using stearic acid. Mg ions were easily exchanged with Ni ion by treatment with an acid or base. Thus, nickel incorporated alumina (Ni-MA) could be directly prepared using nickel stearate, which was acting as a chemical template and a metal source. The MA and X-MAs had a similar pore size (3.6 nm), a narrow pore size distribution (DFWHM~1 nm), and a γ-alumina phase. In addition, bimetallic Ni-MAn catalysts were prepared and applied to the partial oxidation methane as a potential application.