Igreja Evangelica

Stepping inside the humble walls of Igreja Evangelica, one can almost feel the echoes of its rich history. This unassuming building, located in the heart of Astoria, Queens, holds a story of faith, resilience, and community. Igreja Evangelica was officially organized on November 21, 1982. It was first led by Pastor Humberto Viegas Fernandes. He guided the congregation until August 4, 1986. The church’s origins, however, trace back to a small group of 17 believers. They began holding bible studies in the home of Manoel and Sônia Cunha on December 10, 1981. These gatherings evolved into the Brazilian Baptist Chapel. Their first official service took place on June 22, 1982, in the same residence. Later, they found a temporary home in the religious education building of Highland Baptist Church. The church’s journey continued under the leadership of Pastor Levy Penido, who served from March 15, 1987, to February 1994. During his tenure, Igreja Evangelica experienced significant growth. They purchased a parsonage and established a fund for their own temple. They also implemented Bible study groups in homes, fostering a deeper sense of community. One notable outcome of this period was the birth of CONJUBBRAN, an initiative spearheaded by church member Hélio Roberto Martins. This initiative, with Hélio dos Santos Filho as its first president, led to the establishment of two new churches in New Jersey and Danbury. Following Pastor Penido, Pastor Damivan Gonçalves dos Santos served as interim leader from March to October 1994. The current pastor, Francisco José Carvalho Izidoro, assumed leadership on October 14, 1995. Pastor Jorge Bezerra delivered the inaugural address. A significant triumph during Pastor Izidoro’s leadership was the purchase and subsequent full payment of Igreja Evangelica’s own building. This achievement stands as a testament to their dedication and faith. Igreja Evangelica is not just a building. It is a living testament to the power of community, faith, and perseverance. It is a place where people from all walks of life come together to celebrate their shared beliefs and find comfort in their shared journey.