“Imagine a place,” I say as we gather before Iglesia Bautista del Norte, a place where faith and community intertwine. The National Baptist Convention of Mexico is a testament to this spirit. Its story began with humble roots.
The first Baptist church in Mexico emerged in Monterrey in 1864. James Hickey founded it. He was a member of the American Bible Society. This marked the beginning of a growing movement.
By 1869, six more churches were established by Westrup and the Uranga brothers. The American Baptist Home Mission Society and the International Mission Board contributed significantly. They sent about fifty missionaries to Mexico before the 20th century.
In 1884, the Coahuila Baptist Association formed in Saltillo. A year later, the Nuevo León Baptist Association organized in Monterrey. These associations fostered collaboration among churches.
As the 20th century dawned, Alejandro Treviño, John Cheavens, and James Chastain envisioned a national convention. In September 1903, forty-three church messengers convened at the Primera Iglesia Bautista in Mexico City. They laid the groundwork for the National Convention. They drafted a provisional constitution. This gathering initiated a shift. Leadership transitioned from foreign missionaries to national pastors.
Alejandro Treviño represented the National Convention at the first Baptist World Congress in 1904. This led to the formation of the Baptist World Alliance.
Official recognition came in 1993 through registration with the Office of Religious Affairs. By 2023, the convention boasted 1,800 churches and 90,000 members. This demonstrated remarkable growth.
La Luz Bautista is the official periodical of the Convention. It disseminates information. It shares insights. It connects the community.
The Convention supports theological education. It has two affiliated institutes. These are the Seminario Teológico Bautista de Lomas Verdes and the Seminario Teológico Bautista Dr Cosme G Montemayor.
Health services are also a priority. The Convention has two hospitals. These are part of the Hospital México Americano network.
The Iglesia Bautista del Norte is part of this larger story. It is a local expression of a national movement. This movement emphasizes community. It values education. It prioritizes service.
The National Baptist Convention of Mexico continues to evolve. It adapts to the changing needs of its members. It remains committed to its mission. The Iglesia Bautista del Norte embodies this commitment. It contributes to the spiritual landscape of Mexico City.