Remembered as the former Locale of Riverside, the Lokal ng San Juan stands before us. It is more than just a chapel. It is a historical landmark for the Iglesia ni Cristo. This house of worship is located in Barangay Santa Lucia in San Juan.
Once the central office complex of the Iglesia ni Cristo, the Lokal ng San Juan has a rich history. It reflects the church’s growth and evolution. The church was searching for a suitable location. They needed a central office for the growing Iglesia ni Cristo. This was under the leadership of Felix Y Manalo.
In 1925, the church administration moved from Tondo Manila to San Juan. San Juan was then a municipality of Rizal. The move accommodated more rooms for church officers. Before this site at Riverside, the San Juan Central Office was at 42 Broadway Avenue. This is now part of Quezon City.
The Pasugo: God’s Message Magazine began there in 1939. The Second World War prompted a transfer. The Church Administration and Executive Minister’s Family moved to Tayuman in Santa Cruz Manila. This was to prevent the Japanese Forces from sequestering the Church. They remained there until 1947.
The Locale Congregation of Riverside was established in 1948. The Church Administration purchased land on Riverside Street. The land was not just for a chapel. It was also for the Church’s administrative offices. Their first chapel was just miles away.
In the early 1950s, Felix Manalo hired Juan Nakpil. Nakpil was a renowned architect. Manalo commissioned Nakpil to design the main house of worship. He also designed the central office building and the Pastoral House. The Pastoral House became home to Manalo and his family. The complex featured sculptures by Francesco Monti. Lush gardens and landscapes added to the beauty. A futuristic water tank was also built.
The main chapel was completed with the adjacent buildings. It was the largest among the chapels of the church at the time. Its design was patterned after theaters. Architect Nakpil had worked on those theaters.
The Lokal ng San Juan witnessed significant events. One such event was the election of the council of ministers. They chose Eraño Manalo as the successor to his father Felix. In 1963, the last structure was built. This was the mausoleum memorial of Felix Manalo. Carlos A Santos-Viola designed it. He was the brother-in-law of architect Nakpil.
In 1968, the Central Administration of the Church relocated. They moved to the FGM Building along Gil Puyat Avenue. This was in Makati’s Central Business District. Construction was underway in Quezon City. This new site would become the current offices in Diliman. It opened years later.
Today, the Lokal ng San Juan remains a significant place. It is one of the oldest Locale Congregations of Metro Manila East. It is one of the Church’s two Worship Buildings in the City of San Juan.
The architectural style is noteworthy. Juan Nakpil designed the art deco ensembles. He also designed standalone theaters in Rizal Avenue. He worked on UP Diliman Campus buildings and Quiapo Church. The Lokal ng San Juan showcases Art Deco and Streamline Moderne styles. It has two spires and can accommodate 1000 people.
As we stand here, we see a testament to faith. The Lokal ng San Juan represents the Iglesia ni Cristo’s enduring legacy in San Juan. It stands as a proud landmark in the community.