In 1958 a mission was sent from Texas. The Iglesia Bautista Unida in Los Angeles was born. Reverend Roberto L Rangel arrived in Los Angeles. He established a Spanish-speaking Baptist mission. This was in East Los Angeles. He received help from English-speaking Baptist Bible Fellowship churches.
The Iglesia Bautista Unida officially organized on October 3 1959. It was legally incorporated as an independent Baptist church. Importantly it was completely independent. It wasn’t affiliated with any conventions or church organizations. It was united only by conviction to Baptist Fellowship. This was a group of independent churches. These churches originated from the First Mexican Fundamental Baptist Church in San Antonio Texas. Pastor Rangel had studied at their Baptist Bible Seminary.
The church grew quickly. In the 1960s its membership expanded. For a time it united with the Ford Street Fundamental Baptist Church. Doctrinal disagreements led Pastor Rangel to take his congregation elsewhere. They went on a journey. This journey ended with the purchase of a building on Glenwood Street in South Gate California. Over 50 years the Iglesia Bautista Unida occupied many locations. These were in Gardena East Los Angeles and finally South Gate. The church used three different sites in South Gate including its current one.
In 1994 an expansion plan began. The church rented the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ building. This was while a new building was under construction. God had other plans. In December 1997 the church bought its current site. This is on the corner of Firestone Boulevard and Cypress Avenue in South Gate.
The Iglesia Bautista Unida has had only two pastors. Reverend Roberto L Rangel founded and led the church. He guided it during its initial growth. He also led the congregation through the period of moving to different locations. He retired in 1986. Reverend Joaquin Hurtado Jr became pastor. He had served as associate pastor for many years. Under his leadership the church bought its current building. The church experienced significant numerical and spiritual growth.
Pastor Rangel remained as pastor emeritus and rector of the Baptist Bible Seminary. He passed away in October 1998. This was 40 years after arriving in California. His wife Esperanza Rangel joined him in heaven in 2001. The Iglesia Bautista Unida continues its mission. It serves the community with unwavering faith. It honors God’s guidance and boundless love.