507 E. Mayfield Blvd.
The following is from:
J. Marshall Butz, A Brief history of the Church of Christ in San Antonio, Texas, 1876-1951.
The source material contains additional sources.
Although economic distress in the Thirties hindered religious activities to some extent, new churches continued to be established. The church of Christ in Harlandale furnishes an excellent example of what Christians can do despite monetary shortages. In less than two decades, membership has grown from nineteen to four hundred.
Credit for starting the work in Harlandale belongs primarily to J.C. Hicks. Hicks, an elder, and many others in the church on South Flores, lived in Harlandale. He saw the vast potential for good inherent in any new community, and determined to do someting about it. Hicks purchased four lots on Mayfield Boulevard, arranged for materials, and proceed to put up a chapel. Brethern from all congregations donated labor to assist in construction of the new church house. Particularly helpful were J.B. Hassell, H.K. Bunch, and J.A. Berg, who were carpenters by trade. First service was held on December 31, 1933; Hicks preached the first sermon.
In 1934, a baptistry and five classrooms were added. This took care of the needs for awhile, but growth was steady, even during the depression years. Finally, something had to be done. Consequently, in 1947 a majestic new structure was erected. The old building was moved to the inside lots and transformed into an education wing.
J.C. Hicks continued to preach in Harlandale until April 1935. He became ill at that time and asked to be relieved. Thomas G. Fowler then took the work on a temporary basis until a permanent man could be hired. Ernest McCoy, a young married man, was engaged for $15.00 weekly and began in November, 1935. Before he left in 1937, his salary was raised to $18.00 or $20.00. Following McCoy, came Morris Speck, a seasoned minister. Speck's beginning remuneration was $21.00 per week; it was about $30.00 when he departed. Speck went from Harlandale to Junction, TX in 1941.
Paul Stevens took speck's place. Stevens received a rental allowance of $60.00 monthly in addition to his regular check. He was the first preacher to have such an arrangement. Stevens returned to the church in Victoria, TX in the summer of 1949. His successor, who came within a month, was Leonard C. Waggoner. He was recalled as a chaplain in the United States armed services in May, 1951. Paul Stevens has been selected to fill the vacancy, and is returning August 1.
At this point it is well to note two real estate transactions. In October, 1935, J.C. Hicks transferred title of the four lots on Mayfield to the Harlandale Church of Christ. Alamo Lumber Company held a mortgage on one lot for materials used in constructing the building. The balance of between $1,000.00 and $1,500.00 was assumed by the church. The most recent property proceeding occurred in August, 1950. This was the purchase of a $7,500.00 parsonage at 114 Wiggins Place. Acquisition of a preacher's home filled the last pressing need locally. Harlandale then began to consider the possibility of a mission effort in the Highland Hills subdivision, which will be considered more fully in teh chapter on mission efforts.