Our Legacy
The congregation of the Lord 's people, known as the West Laurel Street church of Christ which
now meets at 1747 W. Laurel Street, looks back on 76 years of existence. With great faith, enormous hope and an emancipated spirit set with a vision for future grandness, we give thanks to our Almighty Heavenly Father for the past, present and hope for the future. This congregation had the usual not so auspiciously humble beginning, being situated in a racially segregated community in South Texas 150 miles north of the country of Mexico in the year of 1935. It was the first congregation of the church of Christ among "colored people" in the region.
It began in the home of Brother and Sister Walter Chaney located at 813 Culebra Road, just two blocks from the present location. This group began with approximately ten members which were, Seth McCain and wife, Daniel Mitchell and wife, John Mitchell, Quinton Mitchell, Eddie Cannon and daughter, John T. Ramsey, brother Wilson and sister Etta Adams. When and from where these individuals arrived in San Antonio, or when they obeyed the Gospel of Christ is unknown. In 1938, Lamie Bell and 8 children from Giddings, Texas, placed membership. One of the children, Argolia Jackson is still a faithful member, with her son, John Jackson and grand-daughter Letrice. After worshiping at 813 Culebra for almost 4 1/2 years, the brothers acquired a big house on Laurel Street which sat on cinder blocks. The Lord blessed the congregation, the word spread, and "white brethren" from the Beacon Hills church began to assist this congregation. In 1940, they encouraged the popular "colored preacher" R. N. Hogan to conduct a 30 day Gospel Meeting under a tent set up on the corner of Culebra and Zarzamora. Excitement and expectations were high as the church was now receiving national exposure and attention.
Approximately 40 souls were added to the group. Brother James M. Butler, song leader and a gospel preacher who frequently traveled with Brother Hogan, remained to set things in order, and became the congregation's first full-time located preacher. The congregation appointed trustees, became incorporated, and purchased land for $300 dollars in October 1940. In 1945, additional land was purchased for $4,000 dollars on which the church building now stands. James Butler served for three years, followed by Emerson Powers who served five years, after which Alonzo N. Patterson served twice, 1948 - 1955; 1958 - 1964, for a total of 13 years. During his ministry, this spiritually energized group of Christians out grew the old facility and a new one was constructed in 1958, part of which stands today. Under the energetic leadership of A.N. Patterson, an evangelistic outreach surged as never before. Following are the names of several men who became preachers through his leadership: A.J. Adams, Howard Adams, L. J. Brannon, Clyde Muse, Frank Richard’s son and others. A. N. Patterson passed away in 1964.
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