“Serve the Latin American population of Detroit.” That was the mission of the First Spanish Baptist Church. Let me tell you its story.
The First Spanish Baptist Church began its journey in 1960. It affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. Its purpose was clear. It aimed to serve the growing Latin American community in Detroit.
However this was not the first attempt. In 1930, the First Latin American Baptist Church emerged. This was the first evangelical Hispanic congregation. It stood on the corner of Fort Street and Rangoon. This was in southwest Detroit.
Initially, services were strictly in Spanish. Members came mainly from Mexican and Puerto Rican backgrounds. Francisco Lemus became the first pastor. He was a Spanish teacher. He also directed the Clark Park YMCA branch. In the early years, the congregation met in a storefront. This was on the corner of 18th Street and Bagley.
In 1964, the First Spanish Baptist Church moved to its current location. Construction of the new building finished in 1967. Its location was strategic. It was easily accessible to Latin Americans.
From 1969, the church began to grow. English-speaking members joined. Henry Medina was the second pastor. Born in Spain and raised in Argentina, he introduced bilingual services. Today, the church uses Spanish, English, and Portuguese.
The First Spanish Baptist Church welcomes people from various backgrounds. Over the years, people from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and Colombia have joined. Members also come from Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, and El Salvador. Guatemala, Honduras, India, and Mexico are represented. People from Nicaragua, Peru, Puerto Rico, Panama, Venezuela, and the United States are also members. The U.S. members include both Black and White individuals.
The church actively engages with its community. Southwest Detroit faces many challenges. A large percentage of residents live below the poverty line. Many adults lack a high school diploma. In response, the church purchased a house next door in 1987. It became a temporary shelter for families.
The First Spanish Baptist Church offers many programs. These include substance abuse support and tutoring. There is also a home improvement program. The church provides Spanish classes and vacation Bible school. A food pantry and translation services are available. Youth outreach and radio broadcasts in Spanish and English are also offered.
The church has partnered with organizations like Here’s Life Inner-City. Together, they distribute Thanksgiving meals. It also cooperates with other Latin American churches. These include Messiah Church. They hold bilingual services. The pastor participates in groups like LASED and Latino Family Services.
The First Spanish Baptist Church has a worship sanctuary. It also houses offices, a nursery, and classrooms. Services are bilingual and contemporary. Besides the Sunday morning service, Bible study meetings take place in members’ homes. These occur on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Members come from all over the Detroit area and Windsor, Canada. The church has around 100 members.
The First Spanish Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith and community. It continues to serve and uplift those around it. Its doors are open to all.