A Most Fruitful Ministry

The Dr. I. E. and Gregoria Gonzalez Endowment celebrates a remarkable legacy of faithfulness to Christ and lifelong service to the Hispanic churches in Texas. Dr. I. E. Gonzalez came to faith in Christ in San Marcos, Texas, where his calling to ministry first began to take shape. He later attended Texas State University (formerly Southwest Texas University), graduating alongside his classmate and lifelong friend, Lyndon B. Johnson, who would later become the 36th President of the United States.

Responding to God’s call to ministry, Dr. Gonzalez pursued theological education both in Mexico and at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.

In Laredo, Texas, he married Miss Gregoria Garcia. Together they built a Christ-centered home and raised five children while faithfully serving the church and community. Dr. Gonzalez began his pastoral ministry at Primera Iglesia Bautista, Austin, Texas before accepting the pastorate of Primera Iglesia Bautista, Corpus Christi, Texas, where he served from 1941 to 1963, a remarkable 21 years of ministry. Under his leadership, the church flourished spiritually and became a significant center for Hispanic Baptist ministry.

A 1971 article in El Bautista Mexicano described their ministry this way:

“Dr. I. E. Gonzalez and his wife Gregoria symbolize missionary work among Hispanics in the Corpus Christi area. The greatest and most fruitful ministry they had was at Primera Iglesia Bautista in Corpus Christi. Most of their ministry took place there, and God greatly blessed them. Their influence was not limited to the Corpus Christi area, but reached all of Texas and even beyond.”

In recognition of his faithful service and influence, University of Corpus Christi (now Stark College & Seminary) awarded Dr. Gonzalez the honorary title of Doctor in 1962.

Today, the Dr. I. E. and Gregoria Gonzalez Endowment continues their legacy by supporting the preparation and training of future ministry leaders. Through this endowment, their life’s work continues to bear fruit for generations to come.

The Dr. I. E. and Gregoria Gonzalez Endowment was recently established at Stark College & Seminary by Dr. Melinda and Samuel Rodriguez, Jr. Dr. Rodriguez serves as an SCS Trustee. The endowment will provide scholarships for students in ministry.

Help us equip future students by giving through this page.