|
 Our church community
became a reality on February 23, 1969 under the leadership of
Reverend J. Kelly Neal. When the current site
on San Pedro Avenue was acquired, it was considered "an out of the way
country location" well North of the San Antonio metro area. As
 can be seen in the photo on the right, the
site was covered with natural brush and rocks and situated on an isolated
hill. Though "out of the way"by most standards, the site held a commanding view of the surrounding area.
Much work was
needed to clean-up the site even before any construction could begin.
The site photo on the left shows Rev. J Kelly Neal and depicts the site after the initial clean-up work but
before the first phase of construction began. During these early
years between 1969 and 1972, worship services were conducted at the Teen Canteen
opposite Northeast Stadium on Bitters Road. Here in a most unusual
location, Christians joined together to create a worshipful environment.
Through the ensuing decades this foundation has endured with ministry and
involvement of the church continuing to expand its voice in the ever -
developing neighborhoods of North San Antonio. In 1971 the architect was
given a statement of mission: to give God first place in life through
worship, witness, service, nurture and fellowship and to do so within the
community as the people of God. As the vision became a building
 on
the hill in 1969 so too did the membership grow.
In the decade of the 70’s progress was made at a rapid pace. ln 1971
ground was broken for the first building. On Easter Sunday, 1972 the first
Sunday worship was held in the new sanctuary. On May 26, 1975 the
foundation for the Education Building (now named the Neal Building) was
poured.
San Pedro Presbyterian Church prospered with new members, many outreach
programs and missions. Rev. Neal retired to become Pastor-Emeritus and
Rev. Thomas
H. Schmid came as the Senior Pastor.
We
approached the decade of the 80’s as the addition of a new
 sanctuary
loomed on the horizon. On Christmas Eve, 1984, with the sanctuary not
quite finished, with scaffolding all around, no carpets, and folding
chairs, the faithful with candles lighted stood and sang “Silent Night -
under a clear starry sky.” From the hilltop at San Pedro another blessed
Christmas Day was celebrated.
Again as this decade passed into the memory book the church was involved
in service to its congregation, the mission field, to now include SAMM
Shelter, House of Neighborly Services, CAM, Nuestra Casa, Urban
Ministries, and organizations needing meeting space.. Al/Anon, Boy Scouts,
Retired Teachers to name a few.
To lead us forward into the decade of the 90’s Dr. C. Calvin Reynolds was
called to be Senior Pastor. His goals and prayers for the ministry of the
church are being reached with ever-expanding success. As we give thanks
for the Lord’s presence over the past 35 years, we are also thankful for
the Lord bringing us Calvin 15 years ago to guide us as we seek God’s will
for our church and our lives.
 In the decade of the 90’s the mission projects, to include Border
Ministries and Habitat for Humanity have dedicated Christians
enthusiastically serving God. San Pedro has sponsored Mike
Rodriguez, Steve Floeck, Andy and Stacy Nix, and Ann Marshall as they
began their services as ministers in the Presbyterian faith. To better
serve the local congregation the Bill Arnold Building was dedicated as the
Music and Youth centers of the church property.
So many youth activities teach our children ways to live their faith..
puppets, choir, Bibles for 3rd graders, Club 56, Easter
Feaster, Passion Play, Egg Hunt, Fun in the Son, Bible School, Mo Ranch,
Confirmation, and Advent projects.
In the music program the Handbell Choir is truly a Joyful Noise and each
Sunday the organ and choir music overwhelms the congregation with its message.
Women of the Church have a full calendar -- trips, retreats, fashion shows,
breakfasts, mission involvement, Bible Study... all in the name of
Christian fellowship.
Our beautiful Fireside Room has become a focal point of the fellowship in
the church. Coffee and donuts, New-Member Receptions, meetings, and
meditation time happen in this quietly, friendly atmosphere. Visitors are
made welcome here and are greeted with smiles and a warm handshake.
As we move on in the life of the church, we carry a multitude of memories.
We have been richly blessed in the past which enables us to focus on the
present and look ahead with a positive attitude for the future.
Now that we are in the decade of the 2000’s, let us praise God together as we
honor our church on its 35th anniversary of service, love and commitment
to the mission set forth in 1969.
|
