A relic of San Antonio's bad old days of segregation is being repurposed for a much nobler mission...helping veterans make the transition back into civilian society, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
In the mid forties, the former First Corinth Baptist Church Building at Connally and New Braunfels on the city's east side became the Good Samaritan Hospital, a segregated facility in a segregated time.
Now, Mayor Ivy Taylor says the 102 year old building has been rebuilt, and will become the Good Samaritan Veterans Outreach and Transition Center, sponsored by St. Philip's College.
"Its an opportunity for people who served their country, to determine what the next phase of their life is going to be," Taylor said.
Funding for the upgrade of the 102 year old structure was provided by the City, by the Greehey Foundation, St. Philips College, The State of Texas, and The San Antonio Conservation Authority.
Taylor says the facility will be a citywide 'one stop center' for veterans and their families to learn about educational and employment opportunities, as well as benefits and transitional services
.Taylor says repurposing the historic building will also be a boost for the East Side, which she represented on City Council before being appointed Mayor in 2014.
"Certainly it will inspire people to see the potential of all the old buildings that we have in this part of town," she said.
Now called the Greater Corinth Baptist Church, the congregation also has a soft spot for the Mayor. She met her husband Rodney at the new church, which is located not far from the historic site on South New Braunfels.