IGLESIA METODISTA UNIVERSITARIA DEL VEDADO

"REV. MIGUEL SOTO ASENSI"

75th Anniversary

Sowing faithhopelove

in the heart of Vedado

July 6, 2025

Anniversary Date

06:00 PM

Hour

K y 25, vedado

Location

Haggai 2:19

Is there yet any seed left in the barn? Until now, the vine and the fig tree, the pomegranate and the olive tree have not borne fruit. “‘From this day on I will bless you.’”

Welcome

This 75th anniversary represents an occasion for profound gratitude and spiritual reflection. It is a time to celebrate God's faithfulness throughout the years, recognize the witness and service of generations of believers, and renew our commitment to the mission of the Church in our community. This anniversary not only honors the past but also inspires hope for the future, strengthening the unity and faith of the people from Vedado, Havana, Cuba.

Our History

Do you know how it started?

Why call ourselves University del Vedado

The name "Universitaria" recognized the proximity of the University of Havana and the declaration of a missionary strategy focused on working with students from various evangelical schools in the country. Most of the students did not have family in Havana and stayed in guesthouses near the university. At the end of its first eight years, the church consisted of 79 members, a Youth and Intermediate League, and a strong and thriving Women's Society.

Iglesia Metodista Universitaria del Vedado

Rev. Miguel Soto Asensi

First steps in the new Temple

First cult

July 2, 1950, marks the date of the solemn dedication and commencement of worship in the magnificent new Methodist Temple in Havana. The pastor of the former University Methodist Chapel, Reverend Carl Stewart, led the dedication service.

Historical Gallery

Historical Timeline

From 1942

First Place

For 8 years

Neptuno Street 1209A between Mazon and basarrate

1947

Pencil Sketch

Arq. Franklin E. Acosta

Concept of what the Temple would be like

January 2, 1949

Roy Short

Secretary of the Council of Bishops

Laying the first stone

March 14, 1949

Contract Signing

Manufacture of the Temple

June 1949

In Works

building the Temple

1950

Opening

Finished temple

July 2, 1950

First Cult

Rev. Carl E. Stewart

led the dedication

Did you know that our Temple received the Gold Medal for Architecture?

Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. 16 I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.

2 Chronicles 7:15-16

Did you know that the Temple was the site of important events of the time?

International Mission of Evangelization Event from January 27 to February 4, 1954, under the motto: <<from the North, from the South, from the East and from the West… but one purpose: CUBA FOR CHRIST>> .

The clipping from the magazine "El Evangelista Cubano" includes a photo with most of the preachers and their wives, visitors representing 22 North American states, and Cuban ministers and workers.

Why bear the name "Iglesia Metodista Universitaria del Vedado Rev. Miguel Soto Asensi"?

Born in Valencia, Spain, on October 17, 1893, he arrived in Cuba in 1920 and became a Cuban citizen. Here, he met Christ and received his local preacher's license in 1922. He served the Lord in numerous pastoral and provincial positions. He retired in 1960 due to health problems. However, this did not prevent him from taking charge of the church, which had been left without a pastor. On August 23, 1961, he went to be with the Lord, while continuing to serve as pastor. Thus, on June 14, 1970, at a Local Conference held in our Church, it was proposed that it be named and officially recognized as the Rev. Miguel Soto Asensi Methodist Church of Vedado. Twenty-eight years later, on June 2, 1998, at the Local Conference, a request was made to resume the church's original name without losing its current name, and its name was then Rev. Miguel Soto Asensi Methodist University Church of Vedado. In this way, the vision with which he began evangelistic and pastoral work with university students in 1942 was resumed.