Our History

Dellcrest Church of Christ, formerly known as Coliseum Park Church of Christ, had its beginning in 1951.  Prior to its inception, members who lived on the east side of the city traveled a great distance to attend the West Laurel Street Church of Christ, located on the west side of San Antonio.  As a result, the late Alvin Davis and C. F. Richardson, both members of the West Laurel Street church, talked about establishing a church on San Antonio’s east side.  They both agreed that establishing a Church of Christ on the east side would be a good work and they presented this idea to the West Laurel Street brethren. The brethren, as well as the members, supported this idea and selected four men to organize the work.  C. F. Richardson was selected as minister, Abraham Davis, treasurer, Olester Burnley (deceased), secretary, and Alvin Davis, who was commissioned to take care of the material affairs.  The new congregation began as the East Side Church of Christ, with Brother C. F. Richardson serving the congregation from September 1951 until December 26, 1967.  During his tenure, the membership grew about 200, not counting military/non-stationary members, children, and those who died. After Brother Richardson moved to Oregon, Brother Louis Blair, a faithful member and former minister preached for the congregation from December 1967 until February 1969.  Brother Blair was quite instrumental in helping the church select a new minister, prior to his departure, as well as assisting in the Lord’s addition of 26 members to the church. In February 1969, Brother Roosevelt Sams, a dedicated and devoted minister, his wife Sister Izetta Sams, and their daughters came to work with the, then known, Coliseum Park Church of Christ.  Brother Sams served the congregation from February 1969 until his retirement in February 1990.  During the 21 years that Brother Sams labored with the congregation, the church made many accomplishments that included relocating to a new building due to substantial growth.

Continued Growth

In 1986, Coliseum Park relocated to 1550 South W. W. White Road, and became the Dellcrest Church of Christ.  Brother Sams retired as pulpit minister in February 1990, and was succeeded by Brother Bruce Johnson, along with his wife Shelia, and their two children.  Brother Johnson had previously served as associate minister from 1989 until 1990.  After Brother Sams’ retirement in February 1990,  Brother Johnson continued to preach the gospel via radio and television and during his tenure, Brother Roosevelt Sams and Brother Harrell Holmes were ordained elders.  Brother Johnson later resigned as minister of the Dellcrest Church in December 1991, and was succeeded by Brother B.B. Gatson I. Brother Gatson, along with his wife Ramona and family came to Dellcrest in February, 1992.  By the grace of God, the congregation  experienced a number of significant achievements during Brother Gatson’s tenure until his ministry with the Dellcrest Church of Christ ended in July, 2004. Brother Gatson was succeeded by Brother Peter N. Martin and his wife, Nichelle, who began their service with us in December, 2004.  Brother Martin did an outstanding job preaching the word of God and leading the congregation through challenging times until December 2014.  His ministry with the congregation culminated in the congregation taking the lead in hosting the National Crusade for Christ in 2015.  The National Crusade was an overwhelming success as the gospel was preached throughout the Alamo City and more than seventy souls were added to the body of Christ.  In 2015, the congregation selected Brother Jerry G. Houston, a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, having over thirty of years of preaching and ministry experience. Bro. Houston did a stellar job of preaching the gospel of Christ through February 2025. Bro. Donald Bentley Jr. served as minister from February – August 2025 and did a great job in preaching God’s word.  

Our Future

In July 2026, after an extensive minister search, the congregation selected Brother Zechariah Smith, a native of the great state of Mississippi, having over twenty years of preaching and ministry experience.  Brother Smith’s faith journey began while he was a college student on the campus of Mississippi State University. He discovered that God was human enough to get his hands dirty with human dirt, yet divine enough to save sinners of their sins. This discovery solidified his commitment to Jesus Christ and led him to obey the precious gospel of the Savior. He has a stellar resume full of Christ-centered programs he has either developed, volunteered for or participated in to spread the Gospel in both urban and rural settings. He believes a strong, healthy church is one that is spiritually, biblically, and missionally engaged, and longs to see lives transformed and communities impacted by the love of Christ. The future for the saints at Dellcrest remains ever bright as we continue our aggressive efforts to seek and to save the lost.