Surely you have noticed the cornerstone. It symbolizes the foundation of faith at Iglesia Evangelica El Redentor. Let’s delve into the Iglesia Evangelica El Redentor’s history a bit.
The Iglesia Evangelica El Redentor’s story began in 1905. Rev Silas David Daugherty learned about German and Scandinavian Lutherans settling in Argentina. These people had arrived over the previous 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 supported him. This synod belonged to the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the United States.
Initially, the mission rented space. These spaces were above businesses on Nazarre and Cuenca streets. Later, they built a wooden chapel. It stood on rented land at Pedro Lozano 3151. The Instituto Evangélico Americano was also founded there.
After three years in the wooden chapel, they planned a proper church. Local architects helped design the first Spanish-speaking Lutheran temple in South America. The cornerstone was laid on May 6, 1923. This was a solemn ceremony.
Rev Dr Müller found available land. It was located at the corner of Simbrón and Cuenca. The land comprised a quarter of a block. Müller bought two corner lots with church funds. He also bought a lot on Simbrón with his own money. He intended to build his house there. He planned to stay in the mission field permanently.
As construction began, Dr Müller acquired another plot. It was on Cuenca Street. The congregation raised the necessary funds. This acquisition allowed a larger altar area. It also enabled the construction of Sunday School rooms. Simultaneously, he began building a parsonage. This used a small portion of the temple grounds.
Many pastors have served the Iglesia Evangelica El Redentor. S.D. Daugherty and E. Ceder were among the first. Dr E. H. Müller and Dr R. B. Wolfy followed. P. C. Machetzki and Ralph J. White also served.
The Iglesia Evangelica El Redentor considers itself Evangelical. It preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The church is also Catholic. It sees itself as a continuation of the church that began with Pentecost. This includes the descent of the Holy Spirit. It unites believers through baptism across time and place.
Moreover, Iglesia Evangelica El Redentor is Apostolic. It adheres to the teachings and testimonies of the Apostles. They follow the Scriptures. The Iglesia Evangelica El Redentor is Trinitarian. It confesses the Creeds of the ecumenical councils. These include the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed.
The Iglesia Evangelica El Redentor maintains liturgical traditions. Celebrations align with the liturgical seasons. These are Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. Each season has a liturgical color. The clergy wears sacerdotal vestments.
The Iglesia Evangelica El Redentor recognizes two sacraments. These are Baptism and Communion. Baptism involves water and God’s promise. Communion involves bread and wine. These promise forgiveness, resurrection, and eternal life.
Rites include confirmation and marriage. Ordination and unction of the sick are also important. Confession occurs in two forms. Public confession involves general admission of faults. Private confession is personal with a pastor. Both offer forgiveness to those who repent.
The Iglesia Evangelica El Redentor bases its teachings on the Scriptures. Its message focuses on salvation. This is through faith in Jesus Christ. He died for the sins of the world. He resurrected and intercedes for humanity.
The Lutheran Reformation started in the 16th century. Its goal was to remove unbiblical practices. They wanted to preserve what agreed with God’s Word. The Iglesia Evangelica El Redentor gives testimony in favor of the Bible. It sees the Bible as the foundation for doctrine and practice.