Isn’t it compelling that a church could start in a family’s living room? That’s part of the story of Pyron Avenue Baptist Church. This church began as a small mission in 1942. It shows how faith can grow from humble beginnings.
In the fall of 1942, members of Richmond Avenue Baptist Church asked their former pastor to explore starting a mission. The location was the Thelma community. It was about 12 miles south of San Antonio.
Early meetings happened in a home on Sunday afternoons. The small group grew. In 1943, they rented space in the Thelma school building. They met there until after World War II ended. Osa Dodson assisted the former pastor and became the first pastor. It was then called Thelma School Mission.
In 1946, they built a small frame building. The property came from the school district. It was near Old Pleasanton Road and what became FM 1518, now Loop 1604. Classrooms were added in 1949. A revival led by the pastor saw 26 souls saved. Thelma Baptist Church ministered to the small farming community.
The early 1950s brought a drought. Many families moved away. Attempts to grow the congregation proved difficult. The decision was made to move the church to the south part of San Antonio. The goal was to reach the city and nearby rural areas.
In 1958, a good location was found. It was 431 East Pyron Avenue. The original owner refused to sell to a church. However, the new owner learned a church was interested before he bought it. A contract was made. The buildings were moved to the new location. The former property was sold back to the Thelma school district. Meetings occurred in members’ homes until the move was complete. An addition for offices, a nursery, and restrooms was built.
The first service at the new location was on the fourth Sunday in January 1959. The name changed to Pyron Avenue Baptist Church. On August 10, 1960, it was organized as an independent, missionary Baptist church. The charter closed on September 30 with 71 members.
More people were saved. Others joined from the community. Growth necessitated a larger sanctuary in 1962. The old building became Sunday School space.
Osa Dodson served faithfully for nearly 34 years. In March 1976, Patrick Spannagel became Associate Pastor. He was to assume the Pastorate upon Dodson’s retirement. Spannagel had been a song leader and pastored country churches. Dodson retired on December 31, 1977. Spannagel fully assumed the ministry on January 1, 1978.
In 1995, Spanish-speaking families asked for space to meet. Austin J. Schell Jr. was called as a missionary. Misión Bautista Neftalí began in January 1996.
Rudy Elizondo was called as Associate Pastor in November 2001. In August 2004, Oscar Rios became pastor of the mission. Schell had health issues and passed away in September 2004. Under Rios’ leadership, the mission grew.
Spannagel suffered a heart attack in December 2004. He had more hospitalizations. He retired on March 17, 2006. Rudy became the interim pastor.
In September 2009, Rudy resigned. Spannagel returned as Interim Pastor. He accepted the pastorate again in 2010 due to a lack of candidates.
In January 2011, Juan Juarez became Assistant Pastor. He and his wife Cynthia worked with the youth. He became Associate Pastor after ordination.
Juarez was voted as the new Pastor effective September 1, 2015. Spannagel retired. Mision Neftali relocated.
Pyron Avenue Baptist Church may seem small. Yet, many have been saved, baptized, and taught. Men surrendered to the ministry. Pastors and missionaries served far and near. They were trained through this church. Adversaries tried to destroy the church. God’s protection has always been evident. The church seeks to renew its commitment to God. It strives to serve until Jesus comes.
Today, Pyron Avenue Baptist Church continues its mission. It holds Bible study, morning worship, and evening services. It stands as a testament to faith and perseverance. It embodies the idea of being a friendly church where everybody is somebody.