A vibrant beginning unfolded in October 1952. A group of brothers and sisters gathered. They met at the home of Anísio Pereira do Lago. The location was Rua Lourdes number 509 in Vila Gerty. Vila Gerty is in São Caetano do Sul. This meeting marked the genesis of a future congregation.
Standing before Igreja Presbiteriana São Caetano do Sul today it’s fascinating to know that the first offering was collected right there. The offering was specifically for acquiring land. Jaime Pereira do Lago was elected as the first treasurer that very day. By year’s end he became the Director of the Congregation.
The work grew rapidly. The initial meeting space in Anísio’s home soon became too small. The Primeira Igreja Presbiteriana Independente de São Paulo authorized a move. They relocated to a small hall on Rua Nove. However in just a month the congregation outgrew that space too. A larger hall was rented on Rua Silvia number 281. This location became the established home of the Congregação. They remained there for four years and seven months.
The first departments created within the Congregação were the Sunday School. Anísio Pereira do Lago served as its Superintendent. Also were created the Ladies Auxiliary Society and the Youth Union.
On August 3 1958 the Igreja Presbiteriana São Caetano do Sul authorized a significant step. They purchased a corner lot. The lot had ten meters of frontage and sixty meters of depth. It was located on the same Rua Silvia but at number 138. A house stood on the land and was adapted into a temporary temple. This temple was inaugurated on August 3 1958. At that time a Junta Administrativa managed the work. Reverendo Aretino Pereira de Matos served as President. Members included Anísio Pereira do Lago Tertuliano Silva José Pereira do Lago and Aristeu Cordeiro.
Later in 1958 the Junta Administrativa sent a signed petition. It went to the Conselho da 1a IPI de São Paulo. The petition requested the Congregação be organized into a church.
An all-night vigil was held starting at 8 PM on February 21 1959. It continued until 6 AM on February 22. The purpose was to prepare the members for the Congregação’s organization into a church.
At 3:45 PM on February 22 1959 a momentous meeting convened. It was held in the social hall of the Congregação Presbiteriana Independente de Vila Gerty. The address was Rua Silvia 138 in São Caetano do Sul São Paulo. The Comissão Organizadora da Igreja Presbiteriana Independente de São Caetano do Sul was present. The Presbitério de São Paulo appointed this Comissao. It included Reverendo Aretino Pereira de Matos as Relator. Also Reverendo Sherlock Nogueira and Presbíteros José Simionato and José Rodrigues da Costa Jr as members. During the organization eighty-two professing members and forty-five non-professing members were registered.
At 4 PM on the same day February 22 1959 the Igreja Presbiteriana São Caetano do Sul was solemnly proclaimed. An election followed to select four Presbíteros and four Diáconos. The elected Presbíteros were Tertuliano Silva Aristeu Cordeiro Anísio Pereira do Lago and Jaime Pereira do Lago. The elected Diáconos were Mariana Murilo Garcia Noremi Cremasco José Pereira do Lago and Doel Rodrigues Garcia. Presbítero Jaime Pereira do Lago was elected as the first treasurer. Reverendo Sherlock Nogueira led the new church.
Today Igreja Presbiteriana São Caetano do Sul stands as a testament to faith dedication and community. Its history is rich with perseverance. It started from humble beginnings in a small home. It grew into a vibrant church that continues to serve its community.