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Central Christian Church

San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Evangelist David Pennington came to San Antonio in 1883 and organized this Christian (Disciples of Christ) congregation. He held worship services in a variety of borrowed facilties until a sancturary was constructed at this site in 1884. Central Christian Church was established during a period of great growth in San Antonio due to the coming of the railroad in 1877, and church membership grew as well. Larger church facilities were built in 1903 under the leadership of The Rev. Homer Wilson. The current building was dedicatd in 1950, when Dr. Floyd Allen Bash was Minister. During the Pastorate of the Rev. Hugh McClelland Central Christian Church led in the establishment of the Mexican Christian Institute ( now Inman Christian Center) to Minister to refugees fleeing from the revolution in Mexico and to others in the southwest section of the city. The congregation also led in organizing a Disciples of Christ Church for Spanish-speaking people in San Antonio. Central Christian was the first church in the city to broadcast worship services over radio (1924) and the first to air services on television (1954). For over 100 years, Central Christian Church has provided significant service and leadership to San Antonio.

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Evangelist David Pennington organized this Disciples of Christ congregation in 1883 and built its first sanctuary here in 1884, just as the arrival of the railroad set San Antonio booming. The church grew with the city, helped found the Mexican Christian Institute to minister to refugees fleeing Mexico's revolution, and organized a Spanish-speaking Disciples congregation. A pioneer of religious broadcasting, it aired the city's first radio worship in 1924 and its first televised services in 1954.

Why it matters

Central Christian shows how an urban congregation could shape a growing city—welcoming immigrants and pioneering the mass-media broadcasting of faith in America.

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Related people

  • · David Pennington
  • · Rev. Homer Wilson

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