Bridge Avenue church of Christ

A few Christians were meeting in the school building in Weslaco until early 1925 when the first building was constructed at 549 South Kansas Avenue. At that time membership was 20 to 25.

Several men, among who were Steve D. Williams and Elvis Bost, preached for the congregation on a part time basis, until about 1928 when J. D. Boren became the first full time preacher. Other early preachers were: Jack Fies (1936—43), M.R. Phillips (1943-44), Ervin Driscol (1945-46), Carl Heckler (1947-49), and Jack Mackey (1949-52).

The present building at 549 South Kansas Avenue was constructed in 1945 under the direction of Ervin Driscol. The membership had grown to about 85 at this time. Since that date the congregation has continued to grow and now numbers about 167. A preacher’s home valued at $33,000.00 has been purchased and completely paid for along with eight acres of land, a portion on which the new building will be constructed.

As written circa 1984 for the Homecoming Celebration

The earliest memory of the church in Weslaco dates back to 1925, when C.D. Record preached in a tent meeting. Results of that meeting are unknown, but apparently stirred some interest in the hearts of a few to establish a congregation in the newly developed town. In 1926, a small group began to meet in the Stephen F. Austin School building to worship the Lord according to the teachings of the New Testament. There are two ladies from this original group who worship with us today. They are Lula Davidson and Nora LaDuke. There are two others who were with this original group and worship here today, but were just children at the time, they are Golda Roberts and Sibyle Brixey.

For about two years, until 1928, the congregation met at the school building, with L. H. Brasher as the main preacher, with the help from Steve Williams and Elvin Bost, who preached on a part-time basis. In 1928 Brother Dial and Brother L.C. Duncan gave land for the purpose of erecting a meeting house, which was promptly begun. Names of the men who helped with the construction (that can be remembered) are: Dial, L.C. Duncan, E.S. Sandusky, L.H. Brasher, L.F. Martin, and C.E. Sumner. Of this group Sandusky family moved to Lockney, Texas, L.H. Brasher family to Austin, L.F. Martin and C. E. Sumner families lived in Donna. Of this group the only one known to still be living is Mrs. Corrie Brasher and her daughter Modell.

The building, located on Kansas Avenue, was completed in February of 1929, and J.D. Boren preached at the first service. The congregation continued to have part time preachers until 1930, when J.D. Boren, a deputy sheriff, became the first full time preacher. Both brother and sister Boren are still living, they were unable to come for the homecoming, as they are both nearing 83 years of age, and in less than good health.

The work grew rapidly, and in 1935 Jack Fikes followed Boren as the preacher in Weslaco. Brother Fikes served until 1943. During the time Jack Fikes preached for the Weslaco congregation, the economy was so bad (during the depression) the congregation was unable to pay a full time preacher, so Jack held a full time job and preached on Sundays and Wednesday nights. It is remembered by some that he was paid the LARGE sum of $2.50 a week. In some old records, it was found that one year brother Fikes was in Weslaco, he received the sum of $245. Brother Fikes will be remembered by some, as the preacher that would study all night. Several old timers of the congregation remember Jack because he married them. Brother Fikes has gone to his reward but his wife, Inez, lives in Troup, TX.

M.R. Phillips came to Weslaco in 1943 and served as the minister until 1945. He and his wife are with us today. They are now living in Burnett, Texas and has been preaching for the congregation in Lake Victor since 1975.

Brother Phillips was followed by Erwin Driscol, who preached here until 1947. It was during this time that a new building was built. The old building was sold and moved to Missouri Street, where it was remodeled to become an apartment house. The apartment house has since been torn down and a parking lot for Magic Valley Savings and Loan C. built. The new building, at the old location of 549 S. Kansas, was completed in 1946. During the time brother Driscol was in Weslaco, the church saw fit to sell the preacher’s home, which was located just north of the church building. The property is now used as a parking lot for the City Library.

Carl Hecker moved to Weslaco in 1947. Brother Hecker was with the Air Force and stationed in Harlingen at the Harlingen Air Base. During this time in service, about 1945, Carl Hecker studied with Harrison Mathews and was baptized. He was in Weslaco from 1947 to 1949. After leaving Weslaco, he was with a Boy’s Home in Italy. At the present time he is preaching for the congregation in Moore, Oklahoma. Carl and Willadean are the parents of five children, four of which are adopted.

Jack Mackey came to Weslaco in 1945. Jack was with the F.B.I. in Brownsville; during which time he preached part time for small congregations in the Brownsville area. He received wide publicity in 1947 when he resigned from the Bureau to give full time to preaching the Gospel. Our newspaper made the statement “Jack Mackey puts down his gun and takes up the Bible.” Brother Mackey was in Weslaco until 1952, at which time he moved to Amarillo, Texas. He and his wife, Edna, were killed in a plane crash a few years ago, while flying over the mountains in New Mexico on their way to a church meeting.

Bill Reeves was the first full time preacher for the Spanish speaking congregation, but we do not have his present address.

Wilson Coon was in Weslaco for a short time and moved back to Dallas, his hometown. He is deceased.

Flavil Yeakley came to Weslaco in 1953 and preached until 1957. Brother Yeakley has had several years experience with radio work. His special field seemed to be assisting churches involved in difficulty and getting them organized. Brother Yeakley and his wife, Mary, are here today. They live in Gustine, TX.

H.I. Taylor now lives in Temple, Texas and is still preaching full time. He was unable to be here today as he had a meeting starting today. Brother Taylor will be remembered by some as the preacher with all the boys.

Bernard Neville had planned to be here today, but due to sickness in the family, they were not able to come. Brother Neville has been retired from full time ministry work for several years due to his health. He and his wife, Jackie, are living in Houston.

Boyd Fannin was the full time minister in Weslaco following Bernard Neville. It was about this time that the new property on Bridge Avenue was bought and the preacher’s home on Oklahoma St. was sold. Brother Fannin and his wife were the first couple to live in the house which was on the new property. Brother Fannin is presently retired due to his health and he and his wife live at the Christian Care Center in Mesquite, Texas.

Gus White and his wife, Candy are with us today. Gus now preaches for the congregation in Texas City, Tx. Gus and Candy were here when the new home for the preacher was built. Gus will be remembered by many of the young people for the work he did with them. Gus organized the first Bible Bowl and Pew Packers.

Frazier Conley and his wife, Karen, are living in Clyde, Texas where Frazier is the minister. After leaving Weslaco, Frazier worked in the Bible Dept. of A.C.U. and attended classes.

Joe Brooks was the preacher for the Spanish speaking congregation until he retired and moved to Natalia, Texas. Joe was an elder of the congregation while in Weslaco. He and his wife, Ona, are with us today.

Homer Mathis came to Weslaco to work with the Spanish speaking congregation after Brooks moved. Due to his health brother Mathis had to leave the Valley.

Guy Orbison was in Weslaco for 4 years and moved to Nocona, Texas in 1980, where he is now preaching for the congregation there. He and his wife, Sue, are with us today and for a meeting to follow.

Bill Roach came to Weslaco in 1980 after serving several years with the Police Force in McAllen. He was a Deacon in the church in Pharr, Texas.

Salvador Santillan, also a Deacon in the church in Pharr, is now the preacher for the Spanish speaking congregation.

The eldership was ordained in the late thirties, consisting of E. Meek and R.E. Gary, Thurman Self, A.C. LaDuke, Cecil Ferguson, and Ernest Moore were appointed deacons. These men served as elders until the passing of brother Meek, after which the church was without elders until the early 50’s when Flavil Yeakley helped the congregation reorganize. At this time R.E. Gary and W. E. Hightower were appointed elders and Pete Smith and Barney Brixey became deacons.

Others who have served as elders include Gene Winn, Pete Smith, Barney Brixey, Leon Davis, Marvin Heilman, Bob Crawford, Carl Harbison, Joe Brooks, and Guy Orbison.

R.E. Gary passed to his reward in March 1979, Barney Brixey passed away in May of 1979, Leon Davis was killed in a car wreck shortly after moving from Weslaco, E.E. Winn is living in California. He has just had heart surgery so is unable to be with us, Bob Crawford moved to Victoria, Texas, Joe Brooks to Natalia, Texas, Marvin Heilman is still living in Weslaco, Pete Smith and Carl Harbison are both still serving faithfully.

During the late 40’s the elders (Meek and Gary) invited R.N. Hogan to Weslaco for a gospel meeting. Several were baptized, and a congregation for the black brethren established. Brother Gary spent several years teaching and preaching for this group (going over after Bible Class). They continued to meet in their own building on Cantu Street.

The congregation has erected three buildings in its 55 year history. Two located on Kansas Avenue, one built in 1929 and the other in 1946, and the present one constructed on Bridge Avenue in 1973. Our limited research has discovered that the last marriage ceremony in the Kansas Avenue building was uniting Jimmy and Brenda Fojt in holy matrimony. The final prayer in that building was led by Bennie Brown, who thanked God for every blessing that the congregation, especially this family, had received in that building.

Since moving into the new building in 1973, the congregation has been known as the Bridge Avenue church of Christ. The congregation was so happy to have a new building, they moved in before the new pews had been delivered. Folding chairs were put in the auditorium. The first Sunday, October 21, 1973, in the new building the attendance was recorded as: 148 Present for Bible Study, 171 for Worship Services, 151 for Sunday evening service, 138 for Wednesday evening services---Contribution $751.05---66 cars were parked on the parking lot. Donald Mitchell was the first one baptized in the new building.

The Weslaco congregation has had its ups and downs, as have most congregations we know about, and it is remarkable that insignificant and humorous things are so long remembered. For example, somewhere in the past there was a Bible class teacher in Weslaco who taught that Cornelius, the centurion of the Italian band belonged to a musical group. Another teacher explained to the girls that wearing pajamas was sinful because they were men’s clothing. Perhaps the most memorable mix-up of all was doubly funny because of the solemn occasion. A newly ordained elder was making his first talk to the church, discussing the challenges they faced as a congregation, and in order to firmly imprint his request on their minds he had earlier asked a boy to write the word “HELP” on the back side of a flip over chalkboard. Well, the boy misunderstood the word, and as the elder seriously asked the congregation to give him just one thing as an elder, he flipped over the board, expecting to reveal the word “HELP,” the word which he saw (a different word) caused him to lose his composure and ability to talk for a few miserable minutes. However, in discussing this with the former elder ( he no longer lives here) he admitted that some of the members gave him just what he had asked for.

When the congregation moved from the building on Kansas Avenue, they sold the property to the City of Weslaco. It was first used as a Police Building, but when new quarters were built for the City Police, the building was given to the City of Weslaco Museum.

Many wonderful people worship here, and many others of like faith have been here and gone. We are especially grateful for our two charter members, Lula Davidson and Nora LaDuke, who still worship here. Besides herself, sister Davidson has children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who faithfully attend here in Weslaco. Sister LaDuke and her daughter are likewise regular in attendance, and for the last 10 or 15 years she has provided fresh flowers for the pulpit every Sunday. These flowers are grown in her yard, or in her friend’s yards. She picks, arranges and delivers the flowers every Sunday without cost to the congregation.

Spiritually speaking, in addition to the black congregation previously mentioned, there is a Spanish speaking group that worships in our building under the oversight of the elders in Weslaco. For several years Joe Brooks preached for them, then Homer Mathis served as their minister for a short period, and was followed by Oscar Gonzales. Salvador Santillan is the minister for this group at the present time.

The Spanish speaking congregation in Weslaco has done great things too. The Spanish speaking congregation was started in the early 50’s with Bill Reeves as the first minister. For about a year they met in the big red barn located on the Brixey farm. Brothers Wayne Bracken, Pete Smith, and Barney Brixey would gather all their farm workers and neighbors and bring them to services. Several were baptized and the Spanish congregation was founded. Money was raised a lot on the corner of First Street and Sinclair in Weslaco was bought and a building erected. This first group had its problems also, some of the members moved north and others went with another group of Christians on the other side of town; so the congregation was few and very small. Even with this trouble, three young men from this first group of Christians went to Torreon, Mexico to attend preacher’s school and became gospel preachers. Two of these, Eulio and Mike Esparza (from the Brixey farm) and a man by the name of Cortez (from the farm of Pete Smith) are still preaching in Mexico. Placido Santillan and his father, also from the Brixey farm, moved to Michigan and started an English speaking congregation. Both Placido and Eulio have been back to visit in Weslaco and have reported on their work. What is so wonderful about these men is that when all of them first came to the United States from Mexico, they could not speak English. They were able to attend school and learned the language very quickly. The building in North Weslaco was later sold and the congregation now meets on Bridge Avenue.

Many great things have been done by the Weslaco congregation. At present they are helping with the work in New Hampshire, and we support the Herald of Truth and Sunny Glenn Children’s Home.

Perhaps one of the congregation’s greatest assets is the fine group of young people who worship here. This fact, coupled with our faith in God, helps us look to the future with great hope.

The history of the church in Weslaco would not be complete without mentioning the name of two great Christian ladies. First, Ila Duncan Sewell, sister Sewell and her husband, Jessie Mac (who was manager of the J.C. Penny store) were in Weslaco in the early 30’s. She taught a class of teenagers and is remembered by many as the person who had the most influence on their lives. There have been two elders of the church in Weslaco who might never have been Christians had it not been for sister Sewell. Second, sister Verda Hightower, sister Hightower taught ladies class in Weslaco for several years and had great influence on the lives of the younger (as well as the older) women. She was the best Bible teacher most of us have ever known. Sister Sewell lives in El Paso, Texas and sister Hightower is in Howe, Texas.

Some addresses:

Brother William Cunningham is also retired due to his health and he and his wife live in Hot Springs, AR. Brother Cunningham was in Weslaco in 1964-65.

Ode Prescott, the next preacher for Weslaco, lost his wife after leaving Weslaco. A few years ago he dropped dead in the Air Terminal in Chicago of a heart attack.

From Karen Heilman in 2024:

The members of the congregation in the early 70’s bought bonds to help finance the new building at 1220 South Bridge Avenue in Weslaco. Later, one of the members, Leon Campbell, paid off all the loans. His children from the first marriage are Melvin, Matt, David Campbell, and Annette Campbell Abbott. Later he would become a widower and married widow Leotta Graham.

The first funeral at the new building was for Dwight Schreiner 29 years old. Dwight was a volunteer firefighter. He oversaw the building of the new church building on Bridge Avenue. Leo Schreiner was a deacon. Leo was Dwight’s brother. They were the first ones to live in the new parsonage.

In 2018 Weslaco flooded and the Churches of Christ Disaster Response team came to assist the church and local residents with clean up. Daniel Odiorne, son of Warren and Cindy, is now a youth minister and was one of the volunteers that came to help.

Pulpit Ministers past and present

Men who have served as Elders

Men who have served as Deacons

Kansas Avenue Building