The Reverend Guillermo Ibarra (1876-1929) organized Primera Iglesia Bautista Mexicana de Bryan. Born in Matamoros, Mexico, Ibarra moved to Martindale around 1890. He converted to Protestantism there. Between 1890 and 1903, he spent years in trade school, learning the skills of a printer, barber and plumber. Throughout his life, Ibarra would take on work in these trades to supplement finances. He married Heriberta Gallardo. Around 1911, the family moved to Bryan and Ibarra saw there was a need for Spanish-speaking religious teaching. He began church services on the porch of the town undertaker, Isaac Hernandez. The family began a relationship with First Baptist Church Bryan. Annie l. Batte offered her rent home at 707 N. Parker St. as a permanent meeting place; a church building was later constructed on the same lot. Primera Iglesia Bautista Mexicana de Bryan was organized in 1922. As the only focused Spanish-speaking church, the congregation became known as a refuge for Hispanics. After a 1920s Brazos River flood, the Rev. Ibarra allowed more than 40 displaced workers to camp out on his yard. He created a bridge between civic officials and the Mexican community. Ibarra tragically died on April 10, 1929. In 1935, a new Mexican school was named Ibarra Primary School in his honor. Several faithful pastors such as Joel Garcia, Victor Gonzalez, Gilberto Rodriguez served the church after Ibarra’s death. In 1954, under the leadership of the Reverend Pablo Flores the church held services in its new building at 1009 N. Sims Ave. In 1976, the church dedicated the Guillermo Ibarra Fellowship Hall. Since 1922, the church has enriched the Hispanic community of Bryan. Members fondly remember Christmas programs, youth classes and outreaches to Mexican migrant workers. (2022)