Is it possible that this seemingly ordinary building holds a story of faith that spans the globe? We stand before the Lokal ng Santolan, Iglesia ni Cristo. It is more than just a local church. It is a piece of a global movement.
The Iglesia ni Cristo’s story began in the Philippines. Felix Y Manalo founded it. He registered it on July 27 1914. Manalo is considered the last messenger of God by members. They believe his registration of the church fulfilled biblical prophecy. It concerned the re establishment of Jesus’ original church in the Far East. This coincided with the coming of the seventh seal marking the end of days.
From its humble beginnings in Punta Santa Ana Manila the Iglesia ni Cristo grew quickly. It spread throughout the metropolis. It reached neighboring provinces in Luzon. The church expanded across the islands of Visayas and Mindanao.
After Felix Manalo’s death in 1963 Eraño G Manalo took over. He expanded the church internationally. In 1968 the first two local congregations outside the Philippines were established. These were in Honolulu Hawaii and San Francisco California. The church reached Europe through the United Kingdom in 1971. It arrived in Canada in 1973. The Iglesia ni Cristo established its first congregation in South Africa in 1978.
Today the Iglesia ni Cristo has congregations worldwide. They are found in Rome Jerusalem and Athens. The church continues to grow under the leadership of Eduardo V Manalo. He is the current Executive Minister.
The Lokal ng Santolan offers worship services in Tagalog. You can attend services on Wednesday evening. Services are also held on Thursday morning and evening. Additional services are held on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
The Iglesia ni Cristo believes in the Bible as the sole basis of faith. They believe in one God the Father. They see Jesus Christ as the Son of God and mediator. The Holy Spirit is considered the power of God. The church believes it is the one true church founded by Jesus Christ. Felix Manalo restored it in the last days.
This humble locale is part of something bigger. It is a testament to faith that knows no borders. The Iglesia ni Cristo continues to thrive globally. It builds houses of worship and strengthens its presence worldwide. The Lokal ng Santolan stands as a beacon of this enduring faith.