“Six members. That’s all it took to start something big.” Right here we have the Templo Evangelico Bautista. Or more precisely, the Primera Iglesia Evangélica Bautista del Uruguay.
This church has a fascinating history. It all began in August 1911. Some Christian families had a vision. They emigrated from Rosario in Argentina. Their goal was to establish a church in Uruguay.
Jaime and Lemuel Quarles were key figures. The Baptist Board of Foreign Missions sent them. They arrived in Uruguay in 1909. The Rioplatense Baptist Mission asked them to consider opening a church here. The Quarles families agreed.
They left Rosario on the first day of 1911. They sailed to Colonia Uruguay. From there, they went to Colonia Valdense. They spent weeks in prayer seeking God’s will. Lemuel’s family returned to Buenos Aires. Jaime and his family traveled to Montevideo arriving on May 3rd.
Jaime Quarles extended an invitation. He invited Epifanía de González. She was a widow from the Baptist church in Rosario. Her three children joined her. Antonio, Isidoro, and Amalia came to Montevideo. They all wanted to help with the missionary work.
The Quarles family found a humble house. It was located on Estanzuela 132. Today, that street is Gonzalo Ramírez. It is between Tacuarembó and Minas streets. The first services were held. Circumstances were difficult. Attendance was low.
Then came August 13, 1911. This was a historic day. It was the day the Primera Iglesia Bautista de Montevideo was founded. The event took place at the Quarles’ house. The furniture hadn’t arrived from Rosario yet. Attendees sat on store crates. There were only six founding members.
The Templo Evangelico Bautista moved several times. Finally, the current temple opened. That was on April 19, 1942. It stands on Avenida Daniel Fernández Crespo 1741. It is at the corner of Paysandú.
The Templo Evangelico Bautista has deep roots. It started with a small group. Now, it continues to share its message. The church also runs several community programs. They manage a family counseling center. They have homes for the elderly and students.
Remember those six founders sitting on crates? They probably never imagined what their church would become. The Templo Evangelico Bautista stands as a testament to their faith. It shows their dedication to spreading their message in Uruguay.