Eastside Promise Neighborhood in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Spire

Photographed by James Hulse, April 20, 2024

1. The Spire Marker

Inscription. 230 N. Center Street, commonly referred to as "The Spire" today, was built in 1884 and was the first home of St. Paul Colored Methodist Church, as it was called during the Reconstruction era after the Civil War. It is the oldest African American church in San Antonio, established in 1866. Before the Civil War, the Church met in private homes located in an area called "Newcombville" near present day San Pedro Park. San Pedro Park was segregated for many years before and after Reconstruction. The leader of the African American community during Reconstruction was Lafayette Walker. He pressed the idea for making political deals with both political parties if they would provide infrastructural improvements to the black community. Walker lived a few blocks from this location. Also, during this period of history blacks were prevented from attending white churches. In 1922, the church relocated to its present day location a few blocks away at 508 N. Center Street, renaming itself St. Paul Methodist Church. Its present location, east of downtown San Antonio, reflected a movement when many African-Americans moved into what is now

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called St. Paul Square. This new section of town was referred to as the "Baptist Settlement" due to a large number of Black churches.

The church became active in civil rights for blacks. Ministers and members in the church opposed accommodation to racism and segregation. The fight for civil rights was carried on by Reverend Matthew "Mack" Henson. Henson favored non-partisan political approaches as opposed to doing the bidding of Janies Newcomb, a Republican leader of the "Lily White" movement. Mack Henson also opposed the idea of going back to Africa, which was being promoted in the late 1800s, because he considered it to be a white supremacist strategy to remove blacks from America.

Like Lafayette Walker, Henson advocated voting independently. This created the non-partisan city elections we have in San Antonio today. Church members attended Juneteenth celebrations marking the end of slavery in San Antonio where Reverend Henson replaced James Newcomb as the key note speaker on June 19, 1884 at a segregated San Pedro Park. Subsequently, Newcomb removed all blacks from the Republican Party in Texas and attempted to remove the famed

The Spire and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, April 20, 2024

2. The Spire and Marker

African American leader Norris Wright Cuney from leadership positions. Norris Wright Cuney died in San Antonio and his daughter, Maude Cuney Hare, lived in this area. According to scholar Kenneth Mason, Reverend Henson provided leadership to the African-American community and said that blacks were oppressed by "the triple sisters of prejudice, superstition, and flattery, with ignorance as their mother."

St. Paul Colored Methodist Church, Lafayette Walker, and their leader Mack Henson fought the former slave owners and their pro-slavery allies including who would control and lead the Republican Party.

St. Paul United Methodist Church was the main center of black life for many years. The church continues to operate to this day, serving the spiritual needs of a multiracial/ethnic congregation.

Author: Honorable Mario Marcel Salas

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is June 19, 1884.

Location. 29° 25.344′ N, 98° 28.727′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in the Eastside

Photographed by James Hulse, April 20, 2024

3. The Spire

Promise Neighborhood. It is on Center Street west of North Hoefgen Avenue, on the left when traveling west. The marker is located at the front of the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 230 Center Street, San Antonio TX 78205, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Cameo Theater (within shouting distance of this marker); The Ellis Alley Enclave (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Beacon Light Lodge Hall (about 400 feet away); Charles B. Shannon (about 400 feet away); Steam Locomotive No. 794 (about 500 feet away); Southern Pacific Steam Locomotive No. 794 (about 500 feet away); Southern Pacific Passenger & Freight Station (about 500 feet away); G.J. Sutton

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(about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 21, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 884 times since then and 125 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 21, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.