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CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF JOSÉ MONTAÑO
REV. JOSÉ MONTAÑO passed away on SEPTEMBER 2, 2025. José Macedonio Montaño was born in a Christian home in Llallagua, Potosí, Bolivia, on November 1, 1928. His father was the first Baptist pastor in Bolivia. Throughout his childhood and youth, José accompanied his father on pastoral visits in the countryside and small villages outside Cochabamba, as well as in evangelistic services and campaigns where he preached. Through those experiences and other impactful ones in his future, José felt the Lord's call to ministry.
José studied at the theological seminary in Cochabamba and the Evangelical Faculty of Theology in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In 1960, his sister, Miguelina, a Los Angeles resident, informed him of an opportunity for a pastor in a Baptist church.
José pastored the Mexican Baptist Church in Santa Maria for five years. From there, he was called to minister at the Baptist churches in Colton and Banning. In 1972, José, Nancy and their young children Ruth and Walter moved to Huntington Park, where José was invited to pastor the Hispanic Department of First Baptist Church of Huntington Park. The Hispanic congregation grew significantly during his nine years of ministry. In 1981, the congregation became independent and formed its own church. That was when the First Hispanic Baptist Church of HP began, and it continues to minister in Southeast Los Angeles.
José led and mentored many pastors and church members throughout his life.
In his 60+ years of service, he was president of the convention of the Hispanic Baptist Churches of the Southwest and held other responsibilities.
José leaves his beloved wife Nancy—after 66 years of marriage—his daughter Ruth, son Walter, son-in-law Rafael, three grandchildren Jonathan, Rebekah and Alessandro and several nephews here in the United States and in Bolivia and Argentina. His memorial service was on September 19.
We are grateful for Pastor José and his faithfulness in serving God throughout the years!
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