HKBP Menteng Lama

Gazing upon HKBP Menteng Lama, one can almost hear the echoes of its vibrant past. HKBP Menteng Lama stands as a testament to the resilience and faith of the Batak Toba community in Jakarta. Officially inaugurated on November 1, 1959, by Reverend K. Simatupang, the church’s journey began in a borrowed space, the Adhuc Stat. The desire for a place of worship closer to home led to the establishment of a prayer meeting at a school building on Jalan Sindoro in Guntur on February 8, 1959. This group, led by figures like St. Gr. A. Silalahi and St. Johanes Tambunan, would eventually form the core of HKBP Menteng Lama. Interestingly, the formation of the prayer meeting was a form of protest against a decision made by the ressort synod, a decision later overturned by HKBP headquarters. The headquarters gave the new congregation a choice: return to Adhuc Stat or remain at Jalan Sindoro. The convenience of the new location led to its rapid growth. The official inauguration took place at the CPM Hall on Jalan Guntur, with St. M. Gultom serving as the first Wakil Guru Huria. On that very day, St. J.K. Panggabean, a prominent figure and member of the Kerkbestuur HKBP Distrik IX, transferred his membership to the newly formed HKBP Menteng Lama. In January 1960, Reverend Godfried Sitompul became the first pastor to serve the congregation. HKBP Menteng Lama’s early years were marked by a nomadic existence. The congregation moved from the CPM Hall to the STT Hall on Jalan Proklamasi, and then to the SGTK Negeri building on Jalan Halimun. This period also saw the appointment of Gr. J.K. Panggabean as Guru Huria, a decision that unfortunately led to a leadership conflict within the church. This ultimately resulted in a split, with one group remaining at Jalan Halimun and the other moving to Jalan Gembira. The Jalan Halimun congregation, under Gr. J.K. Panggabean, purchased land and a building at Jalan Halimun No. 2A, the current location of HKBP Menteng Lama. Within two months, a temporary church building was constructed, allowing the congregation to celebrate Christmas 1963 in their new home. HKBP Menteng Lama’s story is one of faith, perseverance, and adaptation. It is a story of a community finding its place within the bustling metropolis of Jakarta, a journey marked by both challenges and triumphs.