Established 1935
Our History
The History and Legacy of the Church of Christ at Laurel Street, San Antonio, Texas
The Beginning
Founded in Faith
The congregation of the Lord's people, known as the West Laurel Street Church of Christ, which meets at 1747 West Laurel Street, looks back celebrating 84 years of existence. With great faith, enormous hope, and an emancipated spirit set with a vision for future greatness, we give thanks to our Almighty Heavenly Father for the past, present, and hope for the future.
The beginnings of Laurel Street go back to a racially-segregated community in South Texas, in the City of San Antonio, 135 miles north of the border of Mexico in the year 1935. It was the first African-American Church of Christ in the region. It began in the home of Brother and Sister Walter Chaney located at 813 Culebra Road, just two blocks from its present location. In a twist of coincidence that only God could work, the recent owners of this home became members of the Laurel Street Church of Christ. Odette Roman was baptized in 2007 and her husband Raymando Roman in 2010 — both have since passed away.
That initial group began with approximately ten members: Seth McCain and wife, Daniel Mitchell and wife, John Mitchell, Quinton Mitchell, Eddie Cannon and daughter, John T. Ramsey, Brother Wilson, and Etta Adams. In 1938, Sister Lomie Bell and eight children moved from Giddings, Texas, and placed membership. One of her children, Argolia Jackson, remained a member of Laurel Street until her passing in 2012. Her son, John Jackson, and his daughter Letrice Jackson remain at Laurel Street.
The Early Years
1935 – 1949
Humble Beginnings
The church began in the home of Brother and Sister Walter Chaney at 813 Culebra Road with approximately ten members, becoming the first African-American Church of Christ in the region.
A Permanent Home
After worshipping at 813 Culebra for almost four and a half years, the brothers acquired a house at 1747 West Laurel Street. The Lord blessed the congregation, and the word spread.
A Gospel Meeting That Changed Everything
Caucasian brothers from the Beacon Hills Church of Christ began assisting the Laurel Street congregation. They encouraged the popular preacher R.N. Hogan to conduct a thirty-day Gospel Meeting under a tent at Culebra and Zarzamora. Approximately forty souls were added to the church. Brother J.M. Butler, song leader and gospel preacher, remained to set things in order and became the congregation's first full-time evangelist.
Incorporation & Land Purchase
The congregation appointed trustees, became incorporated, and purchased land for $300 in October 1940. In 1945, additional land was purchased for $4,000 on which the current edifice now stands.
Early Leadership
Brother James Butler ministered for three years, followed by Emerson Powers who served for five years. Alonzo N. Patterson served as evangelist twice — from 1948 to 1955 and then from 1958 to 1964.
Growth & Expansion
1950 – 1969
Planting New Congregations
The Spriggsdale/Coliseum Park congregation — now known as Dellcrest Church of Christ — was established when several Laurel Street members on the east side began meeting together: Alvin Davis, Abraham Davis, and O. Burnley. C.F. Richardson began serving as preacher. Through encouragement from Laurel Street, work began in New Braunfels, Seguin, Kingsbury, Gonzales, and Luling.
A New Building
Under the leadership of Alonzo N. Patterson, the spiritually-energized group outgrew the old facility. A new building was constructed, part of which still stands today. Following Brother Patterson, several men preached at Laurel Street: Brothers A.J. Adams, Howard Adams, L.J. Brannon, Clyde Muse, Frank Richardson, and others.
Harper Street Established
Four families moved to Seguin and established the Harper Street congregation. Abraham Davis settled in New Braunfels with other families, where he served as minister for twenty-six years.
East Commerce & New Leadership
Four more families left Laurel Street and established the East Commerce congregation at 2706 E. Commerce, served by Namon Cunningham from Laurel Street for approximately fifteen years. Also in 1965, Brother Eugene Lee became evangelist. During his two-year leadership, a community Elementary School class was started, attracting Sister Amie Berkeley (still a member after 60 years). He expanded and renovated the building, adding a two-story classroom section and air conditioning.
Steady Leadership
1970 – 1999
Faithful Ministers
Following Eugene Lee, several ministers graced the pulpit: Alvertice Bowdre, Jr. (1966–1970), Lloyd Nash (1971–1983), and Robert Smith (1984–1998). Serving as interim ministers during transitional years were Jessie Sams, A.J. Adams, John Mitchell, Eddie Cannon, Louis Blair, L.J. Brannon, Asberry Mitchell, and George Kelly.
Elders Ordained
Under the leadership of Lloyd Nash, the church ordained two elders, Robert Woodard and James Scott. After James Scott's passing, Robert Woodard continued as Education Director for 30 years. The church Library, dedicated in 2003, is named in his memory.
A Generation of Service
Orece Greer from Laurel Street served as minister at the East Commerce congregation. Frederick Starks was appointed youth minister in 1997 by Robert Smith and continued until 2005, when he began serving as Ministering Evangelist at the Fort Sam Houston congregation.
A Season of Transformation
Robert Smith resigned and moved to Florida. Nationally-known evangelist Joseph C. Walsh, Jr. began serving Laurel Street with thirty years of ministry experience — from California to Florida, with missions to several foreign countries. He taught and enriched church life through programs, training workshops, and seminars, encouraging a bold vision for the future.
Building for the Future
2000 – 2015
A Vision for Growth
Under Brother Walsh's leadership, an eight-room parsonage was purchased to house present and future ministers, replacing the 60-year-old house adjoining the church. A building project was initiated as part of a 10-year spiritual growth and expansion program. Five houses on Culebra Blvd (930–950) were purchased and the land cleared.
A Bilingual Ministry Begins
Dwight Barron Jones, a bi-lingual minister, moved from Atlanta, GA, to become ministering evangelist — an ideal fit for a congregation now situated in a predominately Latino neighborhood. He and his wife Dalia, from northern Mexico, brought extensive Spanish-speaking ministry experience. For two years he assisted Brother Walsh as associate minister; in 2008 he became lead evangelist.
Transition & Faithfulness
In August 2009, Brother Joseph C. Walsh, Jr. officially retired and continued as Minister Emeritus. In July 2010, Brother Dwight Jones resigned, and Brother Walsh served as Interim Evangelist until May 2011.
Reaching the Community
Brother Courtney Caruthers, nationally-known evangelist, became minister in May 2011. In 2012, he launched a 9/11 Salvation Gospel Meeting at Woodlawn Lake Park, using social media to advertise and baptizing several in the community — a gesture for military families and first responders in Military City, USA.
A Multi-Cultural Church Family
Brother Jose Gutierrez was installed as Hispanic Minister, and Brother Rolando Romero began serving as simultaneous worship interpreter. Laurel Street is now multi-cultural with 20 percent Hispanic families. Brother Timothy Shawn Price began his tenure as Ministering Evangelist on August 3, 2014.
The Present Day
2015 – Present
Feeding the Community
A food distribution program was initiated using resources from the San Antonio Food Bank. Approximately 150 families each month benefit from this community outreach. Brother Horacio Alvarado was appointed as Minister to the Spanish-speaking community.
First Spanish Gospel Meeting
The first Spanish Gospel Meeting was conducted by Brother Willie Alvarenga, accompanied by six brothers from the Brown Trail Preachers School of Bedford, TX. The local Spanish ministry and the community were richly blessed.
Continuing the Legacy
Timothy Shawn Price submitted his resignation due to health reasons. Brother Joseph C. Walsh, Jr. again served as Interim Evangelist. At the beginning of the 85th year, Laurel Street welcomed Omah Smith to continue its legacy — bringing over 26 years of ministry experience serving congregations in Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Illinois.
Youth Bible Bowl
For over 19 years, Laurel Street youth have participated in the Annual Bible Bowl of South Texas. It began with six elementary-aged children and expanded to 28, including Junior and Senior High School — achieving every award available. Under the oversight of the late Brother Robert Woodard and his assistants, this ministry continues to inspire the next generation.
To God Be the Glory
As we celebrate over eight decades in the community, all honor and glory belongs to God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The West Laurel Street congregation has faithfully proclaimed Christ and Him crucified to San Antonio — and the near Westside community in particular — and she shall continue to do this with the help of Almighty God.
The present-day family stands on the shoulders of hundreds of faithful preachers and their wives, past elders, brothers and sisters. Many sisters — married and single — have made an indelible mark on the programs and progress that cause West Laurel Street to look forward to an outstanding future while serving the Lord Jesus Christ.
"Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."
— Ephesians 3:21
Historical Archive (Homecoming Booklet 1998) — Robert Smith
Updated 2014 — Brenda Small
Updated 2015–2019 and submitted by Joseph C. Walsh, Jr.