When Weeping Joe came to town San Antonio has not been the same since the arrival of Johnson "Weeping Joe" Harding. What? You've haven't heard of "Weeping Joe?"
Well, it's to be expected since Joe arrived in San Antonio sometime in 1900-1902. He went straight to work with the Pierce Avenue Church of Christ, the first church of Christ in San Antonio, which was located at
112 Pierce Avenue.
Lonestar Packaging's parking lot is now situated where the first church building once stood, just south of I-35 right before where it now crosses N. New Braunfels. Joe's nickname came from the emotion he displayed in his preaching, as he sometimes wept as he taught the gospel.
Joe was a hard worker, hosting numerous outdoor preaching events. He even obtained a permit from the city to preach in Alamo Plaza.
From these efforts the church of Christ in San Antonio began to grow. Harding was especially concerned with the south side of town around Conception Park. He concentrated his efforts there and as a result the church took root. This church purchased land in 1908 for $400 and constructed the South Flores Street Church of Christ.
Harding then preached regularly for the new congregation. Joe was a great singer and directed choruses to accompany his preaching. He always arrived with great fanfare and attracted much attention to his presentations. Over the course of his ministry, Harding baptized thousands of people.
His favorite hymn was "Oh, How I Love Jesus." It was reported that at one revival he noticed a man who appeared "unsaintly." He approached the singer. Pointing his cane at the man's face, he demanded, "Stop singing that song; you are singing a lie!"1
Harding was a Civil War veteran who fought for the Confederate side. According to his death certificate, he died in 1915 of Diabetes Mellitus and Exhaustion. He is buried at Mission Burial Park in San Antonio.
In January my son Josh and I found the marker for Johnson "Weeping Joe" Harding. It was an honor to find the marker of a man who had done so much for the church in San Antonio that today goes widely unappreciated.
Editor's Note: If you have information on the South Flores congregation's preachers, events and other history, please contact Jeff Tacker at (210) 324-8787.
1Firm Foundation, November 14, 1933
Jeff Tacker serves as Editor for the writing team of CNOST. He also serves as a Campus Minister at Christian Academy of San Antonio. He is married to the former Sheri Wells of San Antonio. They have three children. The family attends the Northwest Church of Christ in San Antonio.
Comment here: