A church on a hill. That’s how many remember New Light Baptist Church. Its history is deeply rooted in San Antonio’s rich past. Founded on November 25 1870 under a brush arbor on Garden Street now South Alamo Street this church began with thirteen faithful members. Rev Caliph Whitley led these pioneers. They met under a tree. This was just five years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. These thirteen souls represented a new dawn of hope for Black Americans.
New Light Baptist Church wasn’t always on the hill. In 1888 it moved to Garfield Alley then to 333 Lavaca Street. It stayed there until 1939. A new building was constructed in 1913 under Reverend Oliver Edwards. But progress brought challenges. The United States Housing Authority bought surrounding land. This was for a low-rent housing project for white residents.
The years 1939 to 1940 were difficult. The church’s membership was displaced. Over 200 letters were sent to important figures including President Franklin D Roosevelt. The plea was simple the Housing Authority had harmed the church by moving its members. They should buy the property. This would allow relocation. Under Rev P S Wilkinson Sr 12 500 dollars was requested. The final settlement was 7 500 dollars plus the salvaged building.
On March 6 1941 the groundbreaking ceremony was held. Rev Wilkinson Sr turned the first sod. Construction of the present church building started on April 1 1941. On January 18 1942 the cornerstone was laid by Beacon Light Lodge Number 50. The church moved into its new home on February 22 1942. It became known as “The Church On The Hill”.
The congregation diligently paid off the debt. They paid 1000 to 3200 dollars per month. The debt was cleared on June 19 1944. On February 19 1946 the church started broadcasting its Sunday services. It became “The Church On The Hill On The Air”.
New Light Baptist Church has a remarkable legacy. It has nurtured other churches. Greater Union Baptist Church Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church Emmanuel Baptist Church Macedonia Baptist Church and St Luke Baptist Church all owe their existence to this church. New Light Baptist Church also built and equipped Coliseum Park Baptist Church a significant achievement for a Black church at the time. They supported a missionary in Sinoe Liberia. For 152 years New Light Baptist Church has shone its light. It grew from a small beginning to a beacon of faith. Its enduring spirit is a testament to its founding members’ unwavering faith and hope.