Beneath the cross atop its white facade, the Iglesia del Centro stands. It is more than just a building. It represents 140 years of history.
The Iglesia del Centro started with Pablo Besson. He was a Swiss pastor. He arrived in Argentina in 1881. Besson wanted religious freedom. At the time, the Catholic Church controlled births, marriages and burials for everyone.
Besson believed a church needed no permission to exist. In 1883, he started Argentina’s first Baptist church. Early meetings took place in the Colegio Inglés. Later, the church met in a rented hall where the Public Works Ministry stands today. Ironically, that street was known as “the street of sin”.
The Iglesia del Centro moved several times. They met at the Sociedad Francesa de Socorros Mutuos and then at Independencia 1330. Baptisms were held in the Río de la Plata or the Riachuelo. Over time, the church added activities. Sunday school began in 1890.
The congregation was small and lacked funds. Besson collected donations during trips. He also waited for an inheritance. In 1899, the Iglesia del Centro finally opened its own building. It was on Estados Unidos street.
After many years, Besson retired. Santiago Canclini took over. Canclini noticed something odd. The church had no name. Someone suggested “San Pablo”. Canclini proposed “Iglesia del Centro”. And so, it was named.
Canclini built up the church. He started youth groups and Bible studies. With his wife, he visited poor neighborhoods. He fought for religious freedom. He wanted separation of church and state.
By 1952, the Iglesia del Centro had 265 members. A donation from the United States allowed them to buy land on Avenida Independencia. However construction was delayed. The church built on Estados Unidos street instead.
In 1982, the new temple opened. Later, the church bought the Avenida Independencia land. In 2018, the Iglesia del Centro inaugurated its new sanctuary. It stands on Avenida Independencia 1555.
In December 2023, the Iglesia del Centro celebrated 140 years. Over 1600 people attended. The church has a strong social mission. Its “Crecer” center offers education and sports programs. It also runs a community dining room.
The Iglesia del Centro is the oldest Baptist congregation in Argentina. The building is over 2000 square meters. Its pews are designed for large audiences. The Iglesia del Centro continues to serve its community. It stands as a beacon of faith. It stands as a testament to history.