THE BUILDING IS GONE, BUT THE CHURCH REMAINS: HISTORICAL SAN ANTONIO BUILDING DEMOLISHED IN MULTI-ALARM FIRE

By Naomi Logan Richard

FEBRUARY 2, 2013 – SAN ANTONIO, TX – Friday, just after midnight, more than two dozen San Antonio Fire Department units were called to a multi-alarm fire at the Childress Memorial Church Of God In Christ, 901 North Pine Street.  No injuries or fatalities were reported.  The building is gone, but the church [membership] remains.

Childress Memorial Church Of God In Christ was organized in 1931 during a citywide revival in the San Antonio area now known as the Wheatley Courts.  From 1936-1964, the congregation worshipped at 107 South Pine Street.  Devastating enough, it was too a church fire that prompted the membership to its current location on San Antonio’s east side, 901 North Pine Street.  The church’s former pastor, the late Bishop T.D. Iglehart, purchased the east side building for $45,000.00 in 1964.

Since November 1964, the historical building has served as home for the more than 500 Childress members.  The current pastor, Bishop Samuel Iglehart has successfully led the membership since 1997.

Childress Memorial Church serves as a premier church in San Antonio’s east side community and promotes positive change within the city.  Childress Memorial has fully active and thriving ministries that focus on biblical studies, spiritual enrichment, youth empowerment and community development.  Outreach also serves as a hallmark of the Church.  Feeding well over 200 homeless citizens a full breakfast every Sunday morning, Childress Memorial’s mission is to “save the lost at any cost.”

As senior pastor of Childress Memorial Church Of God In Christ and Prelate of the Texas Southwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, Iglehart successfully leads more than 140 churches and is counted and respected as an honorable spiritual leader in America.

This morning, more than one hundred Childress members gathered around their church home as it burned at the corner of Pine and Hayes.  Although the building is a total loss, the church remains and the members are certain they will gather again this Sunday morning for their regularly scheduled morning worship – the only uncertainty is the location.