Igreja Presbiteriana em Higienópolis

Stepping back in time, let’s journey to 1998. Two Presbyterian churches, Pinheiros and Vila Mariana, envisioned a new spiritual home. They chose a spot nestled between the Pacaembu and Higienópolis neighborhoods. This marked the humble beginnings of what we now know as the Igreja Presbiteriana em Higienópolis. Initially, a small group led by Reverend Marcelo Serra gathered in a rented house on Rua Tupi. This was the first step in the church’s journey. The Igreja Presbiteriana em Higienópolis continued to grow. In 2004, Reverend Arifranklin Oliveira de Sousa was chosen to lead the burgeoning congregation. They found a temporary home in the Hotel Ville auditorium on Rua Dona Veridiana. By December 2004, the Igreja Presbiteriana em Higienópolis had 30 members and around 60 regular attendees. A significant shift occurred in early 2005. The Vila Mariana church became the overseeing “Mother Church.” The Igreja Presbiteriana em Higienópolis established its administrative headquarters on Rua Major Sertório. This building, acquired in partnership with the Plano Missionário Cooperativo (PMC), served multiple purposes. It housed the growing administrative offices, pastoral services, and even hosted some worship services. The church’s ministries expanded, adding a Sunday school with classes for youth and adults. A children’s department blossomed, nurturing the faith of 15 young hearts. A milestone arrived on June 25, 2006. The Igreja Presbiteriana em Higienópolis was officially organized. With 62 members, they elected deacons, presbyters, and formally installed Reverend Arifranklin as their pastor. The church’s dream of a permanent, accessible home was realized in March 2010. They moved into a spacious building on Rua Aureliano Coutinho. Its street-level location opened its doors, quite literally, to the community. Now located at Rua Jaguaribe, the Igreja Presbiteriana em Higienópolis continues to grow. Under the guidance of Reverend Davi Helon de Andrade, who arrived in 2017, the church thrives. Over 100 members, from children to adults, gather to learn and grow in their faith. The Igreja Presbiteriana em Higienópolis stands as a testament to the power of vision and collaboration.