Roberto M. Pedraza

REV. DR. ROBERTO M. PEDRAZA 1909 - 2008 Rev. Roberto Pedraza was born in Lampazos, Nuevo Leon to Jesus Pedraza and Dolores Medina. At the age of 14 yrs old he first heard a missionary, Dr. J.B. Cox, preaching in an evangelistic service. He was given a scholarship to attend the Wesleyan Institute and graduated from high school in San Antonio, Texas. Moved to Puebla, Mexico to attend the University of Puebla and "El Seminario Evangelico Unido" in Mexico City. He married Victoria Flores on November 1933 in Mexico City. God blessed them with six children; Roberto, Salomon, Daniel, David, Pablo and Victoria; 16 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. While living in Mexico City he became actively involved with the government party of "Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI). He campaign for the candidate and future President, Lazaro Cardenas, along with the famous tenor Pedro Vargas and Agustin Lara, a famous pianist. He was selected as the Inspector of Labor for the PRI party from 1934 to 1940. He then transferred to the office in the Capitol Building in Austin, Texas as a Diplomatic member for Mexico to protect the rights of the Mexican citizens living in the United States for which he reported to the Governor of Texas and the Federal government agencies. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin, before transferring to Denver, Colorado. Obtain a Masters Degree in Theology from Iliff School of Theology. Attended the University of Denver Colorado where he earned two Masters Degree; one in Social Science and the other in Education. Obtained a Doctorate (PhD) in Education - Philosophy. He resigned as the Diplomatic of Mexico to dedicate his life as a Pastor and was ordained as an Elder in 1950 in what is now the Rocky Mountain Annual Conference. Founded Epworth (Bilingual) Methodist Church in Denver, Colorado. He established the Goodwill Industry in Mexico City before being selected as Executive Secretary of Latin American Conference of California and Arizona from 1955 to 1959. Served as President of Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso, Texas from 1959 to 1965. During his tenure he campaigned vigorously to obtain funds for the construction of new buildings for Lydia Patterson. Became Pastor of a church in Lubbock, Texas and served as an Evangelist for the Rio Grande Conference for two years, prior to becoming the Pastor of La Trinidad Methodist Church in San Antonio, TX from 1969 to 1975. In Conjunction with the city, the church carried out a very viable Nutrition Program that served the community for several years and assured future projects for a gym and recreational center. Retired from Rio Grande Conference at the age of 65 and moved to Mexico City to become the Executive Coordinator of Christian Book store that supplied evangelistic publishing through out the country. Return to San Antonio, Texas due to health reasons of his wife and continued to Pastor in Uvalde, Texas and established and organized Monte Sinai Methodist Church in San Antonio, TX. Throughout his life he was committed to develop in assisting the young people by providing opportunities for their academic development. He loved the church and dedicated his life in serving God for over 76 years. Prayer service will be conducted 6:00 pm Sunday, August 17, 2008 at Roy Akers-Zizik Kearns Funeral Chapels, 515 N. Main Ave. Funeral service will be held 3:00 pm Monday, August 18, 2008 at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 3225 Poplar St. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy can be made at www.mem.com. Roy Akers-Zizik Kearns Funeral Chapels.