Denver Heights COGIC, San Antonio, Texas

Denver Heights COGIC, affectionately referred to as “The Mother Church” is in San Antonio, Texas. It has historical significance since it is one of the first churches in the United States to be founded after the Azusa Street Revival that took place in Los Angeles, California on April 14, 1906. The participants received criticism from secular media and Christian Theologians for behaviors considered to be outrageous and unorthodox, especially at the time. Today, the revival is considered by historians to be the primary catalyst for the spread of Pentecostalism in the 20th century. Denver Heights is considered to be the birthplace of modern-day Pentecostalism in San Antonio and South Texas.

The church currently is affiliated with the Texas Southwest Jurisdiction of the Churches of God in Christ. Denver Heights COGIC works with the Greater Alamo District for regional representation and participates on a Jurisdictional, National, and International Level.

History Pastor F. C. V. Foard came to San Antonio in the fall of 1913 from Hearn, Texas at the age of 27. He preached and taught about our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ on street corners, in tents, and any place he could find space to spread the good news of Jesus Christ and the precious gift of the Holy Ghost.

While the present building was under construction at 512 Dreiss Street in San Antonio, services were held in a nearby building. Before the land was purchased for the church, Elder Foard and approximately twenty members move the services to 103 Roberts Street on the Westside of San Antonio, Texas (Which is now West End Church of God in Christ) in the summer of 1917. In 1920, Elder Foard and many of the members returned to Denver Heights and held services in a leased building on Iowa and Mesquite. The church was called “The First Church” and they remained until the present building had been constructed. Denver Heights has had several Pastors lead bringing the Word to San Antonio after Pastor F. C. V. Foard: Elder R. M. Paige, Bishop E. E. Hamilton, Elder E. D. Childress, Superintendent N. R. Henderson, and Elder L. C. Smith.

In addition to the contributions of these great leaders, many members committed their lives to the furthering of the ministry at Denver Heights COGIC. Members that played a special role to the church are: Mother Montgomery, Sister Dobbins, Sister Milvin Biser, Missionary E. Moore, Sister Nellie McNeal, Sister Eva Allen, Deacon Chester Byrd, Bishop Grady, Superintendent Grant, Bishop R. E. Ranger, Superintendent Crawford, Elder G. T. Garcia, Superintendent Bell.

After the demise of the late Elder L. C. Smith, the late Bishop Thaddeus D. Iglehart installed Elder J. B. Pope, Jr. as the pastor of “The Mother Church”. Under the pastorate of Elder J. B. Pope, Jr., significant renovations are being completed on the 90 year-old building, community ministries have been re-established, spiritual and physical growth have begun again, and an enhanced emerging media presence has been created to help bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the globe.

References

External links

• http://www.denverheights.org
• http://www.cogic.org