Imagine a time long before smartphones. Imagine radios were the most modern technology. That was the era when Iglesia Evangélica Pentecostal Bethel was born.
Iglesia Evangélica Pentecostal Bethel stands as a testament to faith. It also embodies the perseverance of the evangelical community in Madrid. This church has a rich history. It has served God and the people of Madrid since 1927.
Its story began with Sven Johansson. He was a missionary from the Pentecostal churches of Sweden. Johansson arrived in Gijón in 1927. After a few months, he moved to Madrid. There, he started a pioneering work with Spanish pastor Antonio Rodríguez.
Rodríguez had converted in France in 1917. He felt a strong calling to return to Spain. He was a man of faith. He felt a great love for his country.
The church first met in Lavapiés. This is a traditional neighborhood in the heart of old Madrid. Later, they moved to Calle de Tortosa number 3. This location was near the Atocha train station. It served as the church’s main location until the 1990s.
In 1933, the church officially registered with the government. It was named Iglesia Evangélica Independiente. Antonio Rodríguez Ben became its president.
During the Spanish Civil War the church faced immense challenges. Antonio Rodríguez returned to Gijón. He took care of the work there. Antonio Contreras led the Madrid congregation.
The church’s location on Calle de Tortosa was seized. Socialist youth groups used it during the war. They even burned some of the furnishings for warmth. Juan Antonio a young member befriended some occupiers. The Swedish Ambassador intervened. He ensured respect for the remaining church property.
Tragically the young pastor Antonio Contreras died in battle. Church members had to gather in homes. They also met at the nearby Baptist church on Calle de General Lacy. This church had recently opened and was not seized.
Antonio Rodríguez was imprisoned. He narrowly escaped execution because an officer recognized him. The officer remembered him from Sunday school.
After the war Antonio Rodríguez returned to Madrid. He found the church in disarray. Most of its furnishings were gone. Only the baptistery an organ and some platform planks remained.
The church re-rented the space. They waited almost a year for government permission to reopen. The permission came with a restriction. They were not allowed to hold public demonstrations outside their place of worship.
Despite persecution the church grew. It reached a congregation of 150 people.
Later Antonio Rodríguez bought a small house in Carabanchel. The address was Calle de Fernando Díaz de Mendoza 3. This location became a place of worship.
In 1969 construction began. A new building replaced the small houses. This new temple could hold about 300 people. It was inaugurated in 1973.
Eventually the church moved its main services. They moved from Calle de Tortosa to the larger location on Fernando Díaz de Mendoza. This remains the Iglesia Evangélica Pentecostal Bethel’s main location today.
The Iglesia Evangélica Pentecostal Bethel continues its mission. It accompanies people and inspires them. It strengthens their relationship with Jesus. The church remains committed to Madrid. It serves the city and its people.