How about a story about faith meeting architecture at Congregación El Redentor? This Iglesia Evangélica Luterana Unida stands as a testament to the Lutheran community. It is a beacon of hope in Buenos Aires.
The story of Congregación El Redentor begins in 1905. Rev Silas David Daugherty learned of German and Scandinavian Lutherans in Argentina. These Lutherans had arrived over the past half-century.
Daugherty became the first missionary. He convinced his church to send him to Argentina. He arrived from the United States in December 1908. The Synod of the East of Pennsylvania sent him. This Synod belonged to the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the United States.
Early on, the mission rented space. It was located above stores on Nazarre and Cuenca streets. Later, a wooden chapel was built. This was on a rented lot at Pedro Lozano 3151. The Instituto Evangélico Americano was also founded here.
After three years in the wooden chapel, a new plan emerged. The plan was to build the first Spanish-speaking Lutheran temple in South America. On May 6, 1923, the cornerstone was laid in a solemn ceremony.
Rev. Dr. Müller found available land. It was at the corner of Simbrón and Cuenca. The land would make up a quarter of a block. Müller bought two lots on the corner. He used money from the board and bought them in his name. He also bought one on Simbrón street. He used his own money. He planned to build his house there. He thought he would stay in the mission field forever.
As construction began, Dr. Müller bought another plot. It was on Cuenca Street. It bordered the back of the first two lots. The congregation raised the money. This purchase allowed for a larger altar area. It also allowed for Sunday School classrooms. At the same time, he began building the pastoral house. It occupied a small portion of the temple grounds.
Congregación El Redentor is more than bricks and mortar. It is a living testament to faith. It is a community that has grown. It started from humble beginnings to a strong congregation. The church offers services every Sunday at 10 AM. Everyone is welcome to listen to God’s word. All baptized people can participate in the Sacrament of the Eucharist. It doesn’t matter where they were baptized.
Congregación El Redentor does not preach Luther. It preaches God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is a place where all are welcome. It is a place to connect with faith. It is a place to explore spirituality.