Rev. Manuel C. Ortiz & Belen G. Ortiz

The founding Pastor was the late Dr. Manuel C. Ortiz and his loving wife, Belen, who both faithfully worked together for 33 years in this ministry. Their son, Dr. Manuel G. Ortiz, Jr. was called as pastor on May 27, 1976 after the death of his father.

Ortiz Family

Iglesa Bautista San Jacinto

The church’s humble beginnings began and founded in February 28, 1943, the small wood frame church was originally in the Westside of town on West Durango and San Jacinto Streets in San Antonio, Tx. Dr. Manuel C. Ortiz was the founding pastor and his loving wife Belen of this First Mexican Fundamental Baptist church and actively grew from 5 to 500 members in the west side during his 33 years in the ministry. In 1973, God led the church to be relocate to it’s present location 455 Avant Ave., on the Southeast side of town. The church later was sold, and Sidney Lanier High School was expanded on site. Their son, Dr. Manuel G. Ortiz, was called as pastor when his father past away in May of 1976. The father and son have been the church’s only pastors in its history. For the past 44 years, God has provided faithful servants, Pastor Ortiz and wife Mrs. Diamantina to continue this work of love together along with its congregation. The church is a beacon to its community. Some of the various church ministries have included a supporting world-wide missions, community youth services, and “good news” gospel programs. The church has also played a vital role in the organization of many missions and hispanic fundamental baptist churches in the United States and Mexico and Central and South America. Many of those churches comprised the “Compañerismo Bautista” fellowship a group of Hispanic Independent Fundamental Baptist churches. that was organized by the founding Pastor in 1954. By his vision, his dream became reality through the hands of many. The church continues to preach the gospel and give all the honor an glory to Jesus Christ. Amen!

Dr. Manuel G. Ortiz & Diamantina Ortiz

God had a plan, and in May of 1976, Dr. Manuel G. Ortiz answered God's calling, ordained into God's Holy Ministry as Pastor of the First Mexican Fundamental Baptist Church to continue the work of his late father Dr. Manuel C. Ortiz. As Pastor, he faithfully served the Lord for 45 years along with his beloved wife. The Lord called him home on April 9, 2021. He was one of the five original members of the First Mexican Fundamental Baptist Church established in 1943.