Once, a beer saloon became a church. Today, we stand before Iglesia Ni Cristo, a testament to transformation and faith.
Iglesia Ni Cristo’s story in New York is fascinating. It intertwines with the history of another church. This building was once St. John’s German Lutheran Church. The Lutheran congregation started in 1860.
Imagine those early members. They gathered in a beer saloon owned by Conrad Hubner. Hubner was a founding member. This humble beginning highlights their dedication. In 1865, they built a wood-frame church. It was on East 169 Street.
Years passed and the congregation grew. In 1893, they bought land on Fulton Avenue. This is where we stand now. The property had two houses. One became a parish house. The other was for the parson.
The current building arose in 1896-97. J.W. Walter designed it in Gothic style. It is a two-story brick structure. For over a century, it served the Lutheran community.
However, in 2010, St. John’s Lutheran disbanded. The building found a new purpose. It became Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ). This independent Christian church has Filipino roots. It was founded in 1913 in the Philippines.
The Iglesia Ni Cristo quickly grew. Brother Felix Y. Manalo preached its message. It was officially registered in the Philippines on July 27, 1914. From Manila, it spread across the islands.
After Brother Felix Manalo’s death in 1963, the church continued expanding. Under Brother Eraño G. Manalo, it reached beyond the Philippines. In 1968, congregations were established in Honolulu and San Francisco.
Expansion continued to New York. The Iglesia Ni Cristo established itself. It spread across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Today, it has congregations worldwide.
The Manhattan locale of Iglesia Ni Cristo is in Long Island City. You’ll find it at 45-33 21st St. Worship services are held on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm. Saturday services are at 10:00 am and 12:30 pm. These services are in English.
Here at 1343 Fulton Avenue, Iglesia Ni Cristo continues its mission. It provides a place of worship. It stands as a symbol of faith. It connects communities. It shares a unique history. It evolved from a Lutheran church.
Consider the layers of history within these walls. From German Lutherans to Filipino Christians. This building embodies community and change. It is a physical representation of faith. The Iglesia Ni Cristo welcomes all. It continues to serve its community. Its story is a testament to faith.