Downtown in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Central Christian Church
Photographed By James Hulse, August 9, 2021
1. Central Christian Church Marker
Evangelist David Pennington came to San Antonio in 1883 and organized this Christian (Disciples of Christ) congregation. He held worship services in a variety of borrowed facilities until a sanctuary was constructed at this site in 1884. Central Christian Church was established during a period of great growth in San Antonio due to the coming of the railroad in 1877, and church membership grew as well. Larger church facilities were built in 1903 under the leadership of the Rev. Homer Wilson. The current building was dedicated in 1950, when Dr. Floyd Allen Bash was minister.
During the pastorate of the Rev. Hugh McClelland, Central Christian Church led in the establishment of the Mexican Christian Institute (now Inman Christian Center) to minister to refugees fleeing from the revolution in Mexico and to others in the southwest section of the city. The congregation also led in organizing a Disciples of Christ Church for Spanish speaking people in San Antonio. Central Christian was the first church in the city to broadcast worship services over radio (1924) and the first to air services on television (1954). For over 100 years, Central Christian Church has provided significant service and leadership to San Antonio.
Erected 1985 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 791.)
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Communications • Hispanic Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.
Location. 29° 26.024′ N, 98° 29.626′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of Camden Street and North Main Avenue, on the left when traveling east on Camden Street. The marker is located on the east side of the church entrance along the street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 720 North Main Avenue, San Antonio TX 78205, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fallen Heroes of the Vietnam War (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); San Antonio High School (about 400 feet away); The Madison Square Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Goad Motor Company Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Ursuline Academy (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ursuline Academy/Augusta Street Bridge (approx. ¼ mile away); Site of Rincon/Douglass School (approx. ¼ mile away); San Pedro Creek (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.
Photographed By James Hulse, August 9, 2021
2. The Central Christian Church and Marker
Photographed By James Hulse, August 9, 2021
3. The Central Christian Church
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 185 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 16, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
