Denver Heights COGIC, also known as The Mother Church, is a
Pentecostal
Pentecostalism or classical Pentecostalism is a Protestant Charismatic Christian movement church in
San Antonio, Texas
("Cradle of Freedom")
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. It has historical significance since it is one of the first churches in the
United States
The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territorie ...
to be founded after the
Azusa Street Revival
The Azusa Street Revival was a historic series of revival meetings that took place in Los Angeles, California. It was led by William J. Seymour, an African-American preacher. The revival began on April 9, 1906, and continued until roughly 1915. O ...
that took place in
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the world' ...
on April 14, 1906. The participants received criticism from secular media and Christian Theologians for behaviors considered outrageous and unorthodox 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
South Texas is a region of the U.S. state of Texas that lies roughly south of—and includes—San Antonio. The southern and western boundary is the Rio Grande, and to the east it is the Gulf of Mexico. The population of this region is about 4.96 ...
.
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
Hearne, Texas
Hearne ( ) is a city in Robertson County, Texas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city population was 4,544. The city is named for a family that settled in the area in the 19th century and promoted the construction of rail lines throu ...
at the age of 27. He preached and taught
Christianity
Christianity is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. It is the world's largest and most widespread religion with roughly 2.38 billion followers representing one-third of the global pop ...
on street corners, in tents, and any place he could find.
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 moved 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
Pastor
A pastor (abbreviated as "Pr" or "Ptr" , or "Ps" ) is the leader of a Christian congregation who also gives advice and counsel to people from the community or congregation. In Lutheranism, Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Oriental Orthodoxy and ...
s lead after Pastor F. C. V. Foard including: 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 leaders, many members played a role in furthering the causes of the ministry at Denver Heights COGIC. These members included: 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 Elder L. C. Smith, Bishop Thaddeus D. Iglehart installed Elder J. B. Pope, Jr. as the pastor of “The Mother Church”. Under the pastorate of Pope, significant renovations are being completed on the 90-year-old building.
Pastor J. B. Pope, Jr. made significant improvements to the infrastructure and overall mission of the Denver Heights COGIC. He died in July 2015. Bishop Samuel E. Iglehart appointed Pope's eldest son, Elder Joseph Pope, the new pastor of Denver Heights COGIC. Joseph Pope continues the work at Denver Heights COGIC.
References
External links
* http://www.denverheights.org
* http://www.cogic.org
{{DEFAULTSORT:Denver Heights Cogic, San Antonio, Texas
Churches in San Antonio