“Honrar a Jeová” is more than just words etched in stone. It’s a living testament embodied by the Primeira Igreja Batista do Rio de Janeiro.
Let’s step back to August 24 1884. The Primeira Igreja Batista do Rio de Janeiro began in a house on Rua de Santana. It marked the third Baptist church established in Brazil.
Fast forward to the early 20th century. The church moved to a new temple between Cidade Nova and Estácio. Its beautiful architecture with striking columns soon caught the eye.
Today the Primeira Igreja Batista do Rio de Janeiro stands as a beacon. It is not only a place of worship. It is also a repository of Baptist history. Within its walls lies a museum. It chronicles the Baptist story. There is also the Escola Vitória. This is a primary school founded on Christian principles.
The Primeira Igreja Batista do Rio de Janeiro also treasures a rare find. It is one of the few Protestant churches in Brazil to possess a magnificent pipe organ. Adding to the musical richness is the Hammond organ. It is located in the temple gallery.
The pipe organ has an intriguing past. Henry Lowndes the Conde de Leopoldina originally gifted it to Christ Church. Christ Church is now the Anglican Church of Rio de Janeiro. The Christ Church was then located on Rua dos Barbonos. Today it is known as Rua Evaristo da Veiga 10.
In 1993 after a period of silence the pipe organ sang again. Edson Elias a renowned pianist and organist played it. The Jornal do Brasil covered this event on August 25 1993. A reinauguration concert followed on August 28. Organist Dr. Dorotéa Kerr and Maestro Elias Moreira da Silva performed. The organ was not fully repaired at that time. Yet it continued to enrich services weddings and concerts.
The Primeira Igreja Batista do Rio de Janeiro has been led by remarkable pastors. William Buck Bagby served from 1884 to 1899. He was a pioneering missionary. Francisco Fulgêncio Soren pastored from 1902 to 1933. João Filson Soren followed from 1935 to 1985. Fausto Aguiar de Vasconcelos led from 1985 to 2005. João Soares da Fonseca pastored from April 29 2006 to May 15 2022. Ivan Dias da Silva is the current pastor since October 15 2022.
The Primeira Igreja Batista do Rio de Janeiro also played a role in uniting Bible societies. On May 31 1942 the two main societies merged in a ceremony here.
The Primeira Igreja Batista do Rio de Janeiro’s story continues. It is a testament to faith community and enduring legacy. The Primeira Igreja Batista do Rio de Janeiro stands tall. It honors God and serves its community. Its doors are open. Its history is rich. Its future is bright.