Partner Stories
A Legacy of Faithfulness
107th Street, Spanish Harlem, New York
En route to fulfilling his missionary calling to Peru some 80 years ago, Reverend Angel Villamil Ortiz stopped off in New York City to minister. Thanks to this visionary pastor’s tireless efforts during his 15-month stay in the city, First Christian & Missionary Alliance Spanish Church opened its doors to serve Spanish Harlem on April 5, 1929.
“Our church has the distinct honor of being the first Spanish Christian and Missionary Alliance church in the United States,” says current youth pastor Rev. Anthony Perez.
Located today at 107th Street, between Third Avenue and Lexington in Spanish Harlem, the church—now called Iglesia Alianza Cristiana y Misionera—has another distinct legacy as well. “God has shown us here that His faithfulness extends through all generations!” Perez exclaims.
Eighty Years of Faithfulness
About six months after the church was birthed, the New York Stock Market crashed, ushering in the Great Depression. “In the 80 years since its inception, the congregation has experienced periods of growth and stability as well as times of uncertainty and discouragement,” says Perez. “But God has planted a vision of love in the hearts of the pastors and a willingness to serve the community, no matter the odds.”
When the eighties and nineties ushered in a time of drugs, gang violence, and poverty in Spanish Harlem, “God used His community to provide love, comfort, and hope for the future,” Perez continues. Church youth ministries during this period offered young people in the community “a safe place to learn about compassion, responsibility, community, and God’s love.”
José del Valle remembers that time well. “Under the discipleship of Pastor Benito Haumani, I was part of a three-member team that helped organize a youth group for nearly 30 kids,” recalls the 72-year-old. A migrant to NYC from Puerto Rico, del Valle has been a member of the church since 1978.
ADF Shares in Church’s Legacy
“There were years when our membership dwindled to a few families and when it seemed as though God had forgotten Spanish Harlem,” Perez adds. “Yet God always has provided fresh vision—a reminder that He is faithful.”
Recently, that reminder came through the Alliance Development Fund (ADF).
For nine years, while the church’s facilities were under construction, attendance fluctuated. Because of the support of ADF, however, enough funds were raised to purchase the majority of the materials needed to complete the new building’s basement.
“God’s faithfulness prevailed, even when the cost of construction materials increased,” Perez adds.
Because of the help of ADF, the pastor concludes, “We are thrilled to be able to continue sharing Christ’s love with families in Spanish Harlem.”
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