“Ebenezer” a phrase meaning “Thus far the Lord has helped us”. It echoes through the history of Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal. This story began in 1929 with the arrival of Reverend Tomás Álvarez from Puerto Rico. He started a mission in Greenpoint Brooklyn.
Let me tell you how this church evolved. By 1931 the work had flourished. Reverend Juan L Lugo the Superintendent in Puerto Rico moved to New York. He relocated Reverend Alvarez back to Puerto Rico. In that same year Reverend Lugo opened a new hall at 61 E 104th Street. This was in the city’s emerging Hispanic neighborhood.
The work of the Lord grew. Reverend Lugo needed a larger space. He rented a Jewish synagogue on West 115th Street. From this blessed work the ministry spread among the Hispanic population.
In 1937 Reverend Lugo decided to return to Puerto Rico. A search began for his replacement. Reverend Frank Finkenbinder was in New York City. He was asked to take charge of the church La Sinagoga. After twelve years officers of La Sinagoga requested a new pastor from Puerto Rico. Reverend José Martinez Jr was sent. After some time Reverend Martinez returned to Puerto Rico. Reverend Jesús Pérez Torres was requested.
Reverend Jesús Pérez was unavailable. Instead Reverend Abelardo Berríos the pastor from Tejas de Humacao was sent in 1951. After several meetings with church officials in Puerto Rico a decision was made. On July 26 and 27 1957 at La Sinagoga they would restart the work here.
This time “Bases de Afiliación” were presented by Puerto Rican officials. These articles were a condition for accepting the work. It would become an integral part of the Puerto Rican ministry. With some modifications the bases of affiliation were accepted. For the second time Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal was established in New York City.
The work was named “Concilio Latino Americano” of Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal. It was affiliated with the Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal of Puerto Rico. For many years pastors from Puerto Rico came to pastor in the Eastern United States. Pastors from the United States went to Puerto Rico. They were one.
Relations between officials in New York and Puerto Rico cooled. By early 1979 and late that year despite attempts to resolve differences nothing was achieved. Reverend Berríos and a group of pastors and churches decided to end their relationship with Puerto Rico. A group disagreed with the New York officials’ actions. They chose to maintain their relationship with Puerto Rico. Fourteen brave men and 13 congregations chose to remain part of the church in Puerto Rico. These churches are known as the famous 13 colonies.
Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal’s first office was at Iglesia Emmanuel. It was located at 71 West 106 St New York. Later it moved to 116th Street in the neighborhood. A year later it moved to Iglesia Segunda Hermosa at 1810 Randall Ave in the Bronx. In 1983 they acquired their own office. It was located at 1248 White Plains Rd Bronx New York. That is where they are currently located.
Many dedicated presidents have served this organization. They include Reverend Abelardo Berríos. Others include Reverend Ramón Muñiz. Under the new structure as Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal MI Eastern Region there was Reverend Mario de Jesús. Then came Reverend Isaac Hernández and Reverend Pedro Rosario Hernández. Following them were Reverend Michael López Reverend Ariel Torres Reverend David Figueroa Reverend César Pérez and Reverend Jose Martinez the current president.
To God be the Glory for allowing us to say after many years Ebenezer.