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NESTLED IN THE heart of the Pacific is the island of Guam. Its magnetic allure invites exploration of a blend of captivating history and hospitality. From ancient Chamorro roots to echoes of Spanish colonization and World War II’s impact, Guam’s chronicles of courage unfold in sites like the Plaza de España and the War in the Pacific National Historical Park. Amid these is the Chamorro culture which warmly embraces traditions, offering visitors a chance to savor local delicacies and partake in traditional dances. Guam’s turquoise waters and picturesque beaches, from Tumon Bay to vibrant coral reefs, showcase the island’s commitment to preserving its natural wonders.
In this island reverie, Guam has an additional treasure, complementing its rich blend of tradition and tranquility: the emergence of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, a thriving Church that began its mission on the island in 1969, reflecting stories of resilience and endurance.
In 1957, two Iglesia Ni Cristo members from the Philippines were employed as contract workers by the US Navy in Guam. After contemplating various strategies, the two devised a plan to gather other members of the Church in the island with the hope of forming a congregation.
To connect with other brethren in Guam, they organized simulated debates regularly in a bustling terminal in Maseldeco. Through these activities, they encountered a former Church member from Pangasinan who eventually was able to return to the Church.
The trio continued their simulated debates at the same location, hoping to capture the attention of scattered brethren in Guam. Eventually, their efforts led to the identification of around 20 members of the Church. Faced with persecutions and the challenges of being contract workers, this group moved their prayer meetings from one location to another.
It wasn’t until 1963 that they finally secured a permanent location for their committee prayer meetings, gathering in a rented Quonset hut along Marine Drive in Tamuning. During these gatherings, they listened to tape-recorded sermons from the Iglesia Ni Cristo Central Office.
In 1965, as this small group continued to expand, they moved their committee prayer meetings to a different site in Tamuning. Finally, on March 17, 1969, the Iglesia Ni Cristo gained official recognition as a religious organization in Guam. Concurrently, the Local Congregation of Tamuning, Guam was established.
Four years later, as the congregation continued to grow, the necessity for a larger place of worship became more evident. In 1972, the brethren identified a 1,642-square-meter lot with an existing building for sale at Route 16 (also named Army Drive) in Harmon, Dededo, Guam. They promptly requested this location from the Church Administration to be the site for their house of worship.
On March 18, 1973, Brother Cipriano P. Sandoval arrived and officiated the dedication to God of the 100-seater semi-concrete worship building. It was also during this period when the local congregation started to be called Local Congregation of Harmon, Guam. The active participation of the brethren led to the establishment of Apra Heights as an extension of Harmon in 1983, later becoming a full-fledged local congregation in 1987. Due to Harmon’s continuous growth, their request to the Church Administration for a larger house of worship was approved in 1992. Construction commenced on February 22, 1993, with a seating capacity of 600, designed after prominent houses of worship in the Philippines.
Further propagation efforts led to additional congregations in Guam: Yigo (2009), Mangilao (2015), Machanao (2018), Mangilao-Hagåtña Extension (2019), and Apra Heights-Inarajan Extension (2019). Brother Eduardo V. Manalo’s first pastoral visit to Guam took place on March 23, 2013, drawing attendees from various local congregations.
On November 1, 2017, the Local Congregation of Harmon, Guam was renamed Local Congregation of Guam. The following year, the Ecclesiastical District of Marianas was renamed Ecclesiastical District of Micronesia, while maintaining its district office in the Local Congregation of Guam. Currently, the district supervises congregations in five independent countries: the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, and Nauru; and the three territories of the United States of America—Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and Wake Island.
On March 17, 2024, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) celebrated its 55th year in Guam, coinciding with the 55th anniversary of the Local Congregation of Guam. The brethren in Guam willfully participated in various activities throughout that month, including a special gathering on March 5 and the oath-taking of new officers in the Church on March 31.
Guam, renowned as the Pearl of the Pacific, has showcased its resilience through the years, enduring storms with steadfast resolve. Members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo in Guam, marked by their unwavering conviction, persist in their devoted service to God, prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead, akin to a pearl refined by time and pressure. The brethren in Guam remain an inspiration with their unwavering faith and devoted commitment.
