In 1950 a beautiful three-story church building became available in East Los Angeles. This was the start of something special. This building became home to Primera Iglesia Bautista del Sur. It was the second Southern Baptist Hispanic church in California.
The story of Primera Iglesia Bautista del Sur begins not in Los Angeles but in San Jose. In 1947 Reverend Jesus Rios and his family arrived. They had left Texas with only their faith. Pastor Rios began door-to-door evangelism. He found a few families. They formed the first Southern Baptist Spanish-speaking church in San Jose.
In 1948 Primera Iglesia Bautista del Sur in San Jose was organized. Twenty-four adults attended that first service. The Home Mission Board soon noticed this growing congregation. They asked Pastor Rios to start a church in East Los Angeles. They offered financial support.
The Rios family moved to East Los Angeles. They found a building previously used by a Seventh Day Adventist church. They were joined by families from Edinburg Texas. Together they organized Primera Iglesia Bautista del Sur. This was the second Southern Baptist Hispanic church in California. It was a significant milestone for the Southern Baptist Convention’s outreach to the Latino community.
The Home Mission Board helped the small congregation. They purchased the three-story building at 6th and Ferris. It became the permanent home of Primera Iglesia Bautista del Sur. Under Pastor Rios’ leadership Primera Iglesia del Sur planted seven more churches.
Pastor Rios’ legacy continues to inspire. His son Gilbert Rios remembers his father’s missionary spirit. He points to Primera Iglesia Bautista del Sur’s enduring impact on the community. The church continues to serve the East Los Angeles area. Its commitment to faith and service lives on in the many lives it touches. Primera Iglesia Bautista del Sur stands as a testament to faith hard work and the power of community.