Picture this A small Sunday school in a San Antonio grocery store. It’s 1911. Mr and Mrs CH Griswold are holding services in their home at the Golden Rule Grocery Store. This humble beginning marks the genesis of the Spanish First Church of the Nazarene.
The Spanish First Church of the Nazarene didn’t spring up overnight. It started small. It began as a simple Sunday school. It blossomed into something extraordinary. Reverend WE Fisher a District Superintendent arrived in San Antonio. He saw the potential. A tent was erected near the Golden Rule Grocery. This was the church’s first official meeting place. The frequent rains made things difficult. Services moved to the Salvation Army Hall. It wasn’t ideal but the congregation persevered.
On April 16 1912 the First Church of the Nazarene officially organized. Sixteen charter members formed the core. They rented a hall at 923 Avenue D. Reverend JE Threadgill led revival services. The church grew. It moved several times. Locations included 110 Princeton West Laurel and even a storeroom near a creamery. The odor from the creamery was unbearable. The church eventually found refuge in a tent. A windstorm destroyed that tent. Yet the congregation’s faith remained unshaken.
Reverend WO Self raised funds. A lot on the corner of Princeton and Colorado Streets was purchased. A three-room house stood there. The house was converted into a temporary church. Later it became a parsonage. A new church was built. By 1917 the church boasted a membership of 70. Reverend HB Wallin took over as pastor. The membership grew to 155 by 1919.
Reverend Clyde E Green organized a street ministry. Sunday afternoons found them on Alamo Plaza. Gospel singing and preaching drew large crowds. Many conversions resulted from these street meetings. The church truly became a vibrant part of the San Antonio community. In 1951 under Reverend Fred Reedy a new church was built at 141 West Woodlawn. The congregation worshipped at Horace Mann Junior School while the new building was under construction.
The Spanish First Church of the Nazarene faced challenges. A flood damaged the basement in 1967. A fire followed a year later. But the congregation rebuilt. The Spanish Seminary graciously provided space during these repairs. In 1977 a new building opened at 10715 West Avenue. An educational wing was added in 1983. The church experienced its largest membership under Reverend Kevin Wentworth. His leadership from 1988 to 1996 saw unprecedented growth.
Today the Spanish First Church of the Nazarene is a community hub. It offers various programs. There’s West Avenue Compassion a food bank. The church hosts community events. Its open campus welcomes everyone. The story of the Spanish First Church of the Nazarene is one of unwavering faith resilience and community engagement. It is a testament to the enduring power of God’s love. It’s a story still being written. A story you are a part of today.