Iglesia Cristiana Evangélica

Tucked away on 620 – Esteban Merlo street, the Iglesia Cristiana Evangélica whispers tales of faith and resilience. Here in Caseros, the Iglesia Cristiana Evangélica stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Evangelical community. This church, a beacon of hope and community, invites us to explore its rich history. The first Methodist church, a precursor to the Iglesia Cristiana Evangélica, was established in 1842. It initially held services on Cangallo Street (now Tte. Gral Juan D. Perón), nestled between San Martín and Reconquista, until 1872. The present neo-Gothic structure of the Iglesia Cristiana Evangélica dates back to 1874. Its stained-glass windows, imported from England, depict Christian symbols like the lamb and the cross. The choir area, located at the back of the church, houses a unique organ. This remarkable instrument, crafted by Forster and Andrews, dates back to 1882. The Iglesia Cristiana Evangélica underwent modifications with the addition of a pastoral house. Its balconies once offered a breathtaking view of the Río de la Plata. This church holds a significant distinction. It was not only the first of its kind in Argentina but also in Latin America. It reflects the substantial foreign immigration of the time. It stands as an expression of the French and German-speaking congregations that settled in Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, and Entre Ríos. Methodism, a Christian movement born from the Protestant Reformation, emerged in Oxford, England, at the beginning of the 18th century. Its roots in Argentina trace back to 1836, marked by the arrival of Reverend John Dempster from the United States. In 1989, the Museo de la Ciudad recognized the Iglesia Cristiana Evangélica as a “living testament to the city’s memory”. Its story is interwoven with the larger narrative of Argentina’s Evangelical community.