Ready to explore the story of Iglesia ni Cristo right here in Brisbane? The Iglesia ni Cristo. It is also known as the Church of Christ. It has a fascinating history that spans continents.
The Iglesia ni Cristo had humble beginnings. It was first preached by Brother Felix Y. Manalo. He is considered God’s Messenger in these last days. The church was officially registered in the Philippines on July 27, 1914.
From its first local congregation in Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila. The Church quickly expanded throughout the metropolis. It spread to neighboring provinces in Luzon. It even reached the islands of Visayas and Mindanao.
Brother Felix Manalo passed away on April 12, 1963. By then the Church had established ecclesiastical districts. These districts covered more than half of all the provinces in the country.
In 1968 a significant step was taken. Under the leadership of Brother Eraño G. Manalo, the Church expanded internationally. The first two local congregations outside the Philippines were established. These were in Honolulu, Hawaii and San Francisco, California in the USA.
This marked the beginning of the Church’s expansion. It spread throughout the Far West and eventually around the world. By the end of the 1970s the Church had spread to other continents. North America saw congregations in New York and Guam in 1969. Canada followed in 1971. Europe’s first local congregation was established in London in 1972. Now it is known as Battersea. Australia joined in the mid-1970s. Asia saw expansion into China via Hong Kong in 1974. Thailand in 1976 and Japan in 1977 followed. Africa welcomed the Church in Nigeria and South Africa in 1978. By the end of the 1980s congregations existed in the Scandinavian countries.
The first local congregation in Latin America was established in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 1990. Congregations also appeared in cities significant to Christian history. Rome, Italy on July 27, 1994. Jerusalem, Israel on March 31, 1996. Athens, Greece on May 10, 1997.
As the new millennium dawned the Church reached South America. Worship services began in Brazil and Peru. Brother Eraño passed away on August 31, 2009. Before this the Church had been continuously spreading globally.
Today under the leadership of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo. The Church continues to thrive and grow. Its membership is constantly increasing. Thousands of ministers and Church officers are being added worldwide. Construction and renovation of houses of worship continue. Church edifices and other structures are being improved. This happens not only in the Philippines but also in other countries.
Here in Brisbane the Iglesia ni Cristo community is vibrant. It is a testament to the church’s global reach. You can find the Brisbane Congregation at Coopers Plain School Hall. It is located at 65 Orange Grove Rd.
North Brisbane also has its own Iglesia ni Cristo locale. You can find it in the District of Queensland. The worship service schedule includes English services on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings.
The Iglesia ni Cristo is more than just a church. It is a global community. It has a rich history. It continues to grow. It is dedicated to its faith and its members.