1ª Igreja Presbiteriana de Niterói

In 1899, the 79th Presbyterian church in Brazil was established: the 1ª Igreja Presbiteriana de Niterói. This wasn’t the very beginning of Presbyterianism in Niterói though. That story starts earlier, in 1876, with the work of Reverend Robert Lenington. Niterói held the prestigious title of capital of the Province of Rio de Janeiro back then, during Brazil’s imperial era. The 1ª Igreja Presbiteriana de Niterói is deeply intertwined with the generosity of George Frederick Baker. A devoted man, Baker dedicated his time and personal wealth to the church’s growth. Elected as an elder in Rio de Janeiro’s Presbyterian church in 1896, he donated the land for the first 1ª Igreja Presbiteriana de Niterói building. This initial structure was consecrated in 1910. The church began with a modest 29 members, a number that swelled to 129 by 1912. Growth continued, reaching 263 members in 1934 and 684 by 1956. The original church stood on Rua Andrade Neves. However, the burgeoning congregation needed more space. In the 1960s, the search began for a new location. The move to Rua XV de Novembro, the current site of the 1ª Igreja Presbiteriana de Niterói, occurred in the 1970s. The new temple was inaugurated in a grand ceremony on May 15, 1980. Known as the “mother church” of Presbyterianism in the eastern Fluminense region, 1ª Igreja Presbiteriana de Niterói played a pivotal role in establishing other churches in Niterói, São Gonçalo, and surrounding cities. These daughter churches, in turn, spread the faith further. The church’s history is also marked by a series of influential pastors. The first was the renowned Reverend Erasmo Braga, a scholar, linguist, author, translator, and musician. Braga’s ability to engage in dialogue, respect differing viewpoints, and foster interfaith cooperation made him a leading evangelical figure of his time. Over its 123-year history, 50 pastors have served the 1ª Igreja Presbiteriana de Niterói. These dedicated individuals, whether missionaries, evangelists, or elected pastors, have shaped the church’s journey. Currently, the church is led by Reverend Fernando Pereira Cabral, now in his third term.