Did you know Iglesia Bautista Fundamental started with a vision in the spring of 1958? Dr. Manuel C. Ortiz, a pastor from San Antonio, Texas, sent Rev. Roberto L. Rangel to Los Angeles. His mission was to explore the possibility of starting a Spanish-speaking ministry. Rangel’s family already lived in Los Angeles.
Rev. Roberto L. Rangel and his family arrived on May 28, 1958. For over a year, they worked to establish a Fundamental Baptist Mission. They received help from English-speaking churches of the Baptist Bible Fellowship.
October 3, 1959, marked a milestone. The Primera Iglesia Bautista Fundamental Mexicana de Los Angeles was officially organized. It became legally incorporated as a BAUTISTA, FUNDAMENTAL, and INDEPENDIENTE church. It was known as the first fully independent ministry. The church had no affiliation with conventions or ecclesiastical organizations. Its only connection was to the Baptist Bible Fellowship. This fellowship included independent churches. These churches originated from the Primera Iglesia Bautista Fundamental Mexicana. Dr. Manuel C. Ortiz pastored this church. Rev. Rangel had studied at its seminary.
Iglesia Bautista Fundamental experienced rapid growth in the 1960s. For a time, it joined with the Iglesia Bautista Fundamental on Ford Street. However, doctrinal differences led Rev. Rangel to take his congregation elsewhere. This marked the beginning of a journey. It culminated in purchasing property on Glenwood Street in South Gate, California. Over 50 years, the church occupied various locations. These included Gardena, East Los Angeles, and finally, three different sites in South Gate.
In 1994, an expansion plan took shape. Iglesia Bautista Fundamental began renting the First Christian Church’s facilities. This was while constructing a new temple. The new site was at the corner of Glenwood and Santa Fe in South Gate. But God had other plans. In December 1997, the church acquired property. It was located at the corner of Firestone Blvd. and Cypress Ave. in South Gate, California. This acquisition honored God.
Iglesia Bautista Fundamental Hispana has had only two pastors. Rev. Roberto L. Rangel founded the church. He guided its formative years and initial growth. Rev. Joaquín Hurtado, Jr., served as Associate Pastor for several years. He then took charge after Rev. Rangel retired in 1986. Under his leadership, the church bought its current temple. The church experienced numerical and spiritual growth.
Rev. Rangel remained Pastor Emeritus and Rector. He led the Seminario Biblico Bautista until his death in October 1998. This was 40 years after arriving in California. In 2001, his wife, Dona Esperanza Rangel, joined him in heaven.
Dr. Joaquín Hurtado Jr., his wife Rebecca, their family, rejoice. The officers of Iglesia Bautista Fundamental Hispana de South Gate also rejoice. All past and present members are grateful. They thank God for His goodness, mercy, and faithfulness. They are thankful for what He has done over 50 years of labor. The members keep their eyes fixed on the future. They know there is still much to do. There is still a Gospel to preach. Many souls need to be brought to Christ.
The Iglesia Bautista Fundamental believes in the Bible. They believe it is the only authority for human conduct. They believe in one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ. Also, they believe He was born of the Virgin Mary. They believe the Holy Spirit is a divine person. They believe the Spirit convicts people of sin. The Iglesia Bautista Fundamental believes in the creation story. They believe God created the world in six days. They believe man was created in God’s image. They believe salvation is through Jesus Christ.
Now, as you stand before Iglesia Bautista Fundamental remember its history. Remember the dedication, the moves, and the unwavering faith. Think about the countless lives touched. Consider the sermons preached within these walls. Feel the sense of community. The Iglesia Bautista Fundamental continues to serve. It provides a beacon of hope in Los Angeles. May the church continue to spread its message.