At 730 pm on November 27 1918 a new church was born. It was the Igreja Batista da Tijuca. This humble beginning marked the start of an incredible journey. The Igreja Batista Memorial da Tijuca had arrived. Located on Rua Radmacker number 44 it was packed for its inaugural service. Pastors Ricardo Pitrowsky Salomão Ginsburg and José de Souza Marques led the ceremony. Choirs from the PIB/RJ and the new church sang hymns. The congregation numbered 27 faithful souls.
Despite its small size the Igreja Batista Memorial da Tijuca was already making its mark. It supported seminarians. It spread the gospel. It faced religious intolerance with courage. The church’s first pastor was F F Soren. He also served the Primeira Igreja Batista do Rio. He provided guidance during those challenging early years. He witnessed the baptism of Henrique Canongia who later became a Baptist pastor.
After three years Soren was succeeded by American missionary A R Crabtree and his wife Mabel. They arrived in 1922. Their leadership saw the creation of several internal organizations. In 1924 the church moved to Rua Barão de Mesquita 778 in Andaraí. Membership had grown to 89 a 330% increase. Five years later a campaign raised funds for a permanent home. The church now boasting 105 members purchased a property on Rua Barão de Itaipu 115. The new sanctuary opened on December 1 1929. F F Soren preached a sermon titled A Monument to Thee.
The Igreja Batista Memorial da Tijuca thrived. Baptisms were numerous. Soon the new building proved too small. After 26 years Crabtree retired leaving behind a strong and independent church. Pastor David Gomes took over in 1948. He was a visionary pastor. He established the Intercessors Group and the Christ Workers Group. Prayer meetings and preaching points increased. An outpatient clinic opened. The sanctuary was doubled in size new furniture was bought. The church grew beyond 600 members. A radio program Escola Bíblica do Ar was launched.
Pastor Osvaldo Ronis led the church from 1955 to 1965. He emphasized biblical doctrine. He oversaw the purchase of the current land on Rua Leopoldo 71. He helped found the Igreja Batista Nova Canaã. Pastor Tércio Gomes Cunha’s 32-year tenure from 1965 to 1997 was the longest in the church’s history. He oversaw the construction of the present building. In 1996 the church changed its name from Igreja Batista da Tijuca to Primeira Igreja Batista no Andaraí. Pastor Cunha received the honorary title of Pastor Emeritus.
Later pastors continued the work. They adapted to changing times. The Igreja Batista Memorial da Tijuca remains a vibrant part of the Tijuca community. It stands as a testament to faith perseverance and growth. It continues to serve the community and spread God’s word. This incredible history is written into the very stones of the Igreja Batista Memorial da Tijuca.