Amidst the bustling streets of Cidade Ademar, a beacon of faith stands tall: the Igreja Presbiteriana de Cidade Ademar. This church, more than just a building, is a testament to a journey of faith that began in the 1950s. It all started with a Swiss couple, João and Louise Köninger, and their small chocolate factory. Dona Louise, a woman of devout faith, began sharing the Gospel with children in the factory, then later in her home. This humble beginning marked the first seeds of the Igreja Presbiteriana de Cidade Ademar. The ripple effect of her faith touched neighbors and acquaintances, leading to the formation of a class for teenagers in 1956, led by Hugo Bruderer. They met on Saturday afternoons, initially in the chocolate factory. This group, modeled after similar groups in Switzerland, France, and Portugal, was called “milícia,”. Among the first converts were Erich and Klaus Will, and Luiz Gintner.
Simultaneously, adult gatherings began with the help of Hugo and Victor Bruderer. Dona Cecília Gintner’s conversion further propelled the movement. She actively invited people to hear the Gospel message. Through these efforts, families like the Chemelos, the Andrades, and the Paixãos joined the burgeoning community. Dona Luiza often sponsored children from the area to attend the MAB Camp. One such child, from the Muller family, later worked at the Andraus Building and tragically perished in the fire. As the children’s and youth groups grew, the need for a dedicated space for worship became evident. A hall near Avenida Cupecê, Cidade Ademar’s main thoroughfare, was rented and converted into a worship space, thanks to the efforts of Timóteo Mazzoni and funding from the Bruderers. This hall not only served as a sanctuary but also housed a Bible depot managed by Luiz Gintner’s mother, Dona Cecília.
Eventually, the chocolate factory moved, and the rented hall became the regular meeting place, solidifying the presence of the Ação Bíblica church in Cidade Ademar. Dona Dora Mauerhofer gifted a small organ, played by Ester Haldiman during services, and a bicycle to Luiz Gintner, who used it to distribute religious materials throughout the Zavuvus area, now known as Avenida Yervant Kissajikian. As time passed, the church flourished under the leadership of individuals like Elza Mahler and Else Scheidegger, who guided the youth. Adult services saw sermons from various preachers, including Willi Mauerhofer, Walter Reichen, and Arlindo Cardoso. Pierre Roulet eventually assumed leadership, but other preachers, like Arlindo Pinto, continued to share the message, leading to many conversions. Elmo Medeiros held Sunday afternoon classes in Guacuri, bringing adults to the Cidade Ademar services.
After marrying, Elmo and Therezinha Medeiros moved nearby to assist with the growing congregation. Elmo would conduct regular visits, sharing the Gospel and inviting families to services. The congregation continued to expand. The widening of Avenida Cupecê necessitated another move. A plot of land on Rua Públío Pimentel was found. Mr. Lísias provided the down payment, and Dona Adélia Fávero covered the installments. On this site, the present-day Igreja Presbiteriana de Cidade Ademar was built. It stands as a testament to the enduring faith and dedication of those who laid its foundation, a symbol of hope and spiritual growth within the vibrant community of Cidade Ademar.