What began as a small gathering in a humble home blossomed into the vibrant First Baptist Church of Irajá. This church stands as a testament to faith, community and the enduring spirit of its founders.
In 1933, a group of believers from various evangelical denominations felt a calling. They desired a place to worship in Irajá. This area is a bustling neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. On April 20th, they congregated in the home of José Esteves. His house was located on Leopoldina Domingues Street. It was there that the seeds of the First Baptist Church of Irajá were sown.
The small group called themselves a “Baptist Preaching Point in Irajá.” They met with devotion. Their gatherings grew steadily. They established a Sunday School and a church choir. A men’s union also began. They created ministries for children and women. Throughout 1934, their community flourished. They decided to purchase land on Marechal Rangel Street.
Waldemar Moraes proposed the formal organization of the church. December 15, 1934, was the suggested date. Thirty-six founding members joined from various churches. They affiliated with the First Baptist Church of Bonsucesso. This became their mother church. Francisco Medeiros Simas was the first pastor of the First Baptist Church of Irajá.
Many dedicated pastors have led the First Baptist Church of Irajá. These include Juvenil Ferreira Mello and Henrique Canongia. Abrahão José de Oliveira and Licinho Faria also pastored the church. João Falcão Sobrinho served as Pastor Emeritus. Daniel Francisco da Paixão and Joel Félix da Silva led as interim pastors. Gerson V. G. de Matos and José Francisco Veloso also served as interim pastors. Uirassú Tupinambá M. Câmara and Almir Coelho da Silva also took on interim roles. Leyner de Albuquerque Lima and Nivaldo Pereira do Nascimento have also served. João Emílio Cutis Pereira is the current presiding pastor.
The First Baptist Church of Irajá has also organized several preaching points. These include the Baptist Church of Cerâmica in Nova Iguaçu. Also, the Baptist Church of São Benedito and the Baptist Church Vila Jardim da Penha. Today, it is known as the First Baptist Church of Vila da Penha. The Baptist Church of Amapá and the Baptist Church in Vila São Jorge in Colégio were also started. The Baptist Church Esperança in Marapicu, Nova Iguaçu, was organized in December 2012. The church also has a preaching point in IAPC de Irajá.
Today, the First Baptist Church of Irajá continues to thrive. It embodies the dedication of its founders. It is a beacon of faith. The church’s vision is to be a biblical and contemporary church. It seeks to worship God and embrace evangelization. It also welcomes new members.
The church’s mission is clear. It aims to live for the glory of Jesus. It promotes fraternal relationships based on the values of God’s Kingdom. The First Baptist Church of Irajá values the Bible. It values prayer, love, faith, and integrity. Obedience and family are also important. Multiplication, education and teamwork are also important. Creativity, communion and Christian service are all cherished.
The First Baptist Church of Irajá offers a range of weekly programs. On Sundays, there are services at 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM. Sunday School takes place at 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM. “Celebrating Life” gatherings are held on Mondays. Tuesday evenings are dedicated to “Liberation” services. Wednesday is “Hope Wednesday” with prayer meetings. Fridays are for the youth group “Connected.” Saturdays feature “Deeper” services for young adults and adults. Physical activities are offered on Saturdays during “Moove.” Sports ministries occur throughout the week. The church also offers literacy classes and crafts.
As you stand before the First Baptist Church of Irajá, remember its rich history. It began with a small group of believers. Their vision and dedication shaped this vibrant community. Today, the church continues to serve Irajá. It embodies faith, hope and love.