UTM has a new neighbor to the east of campus.

The Iglesia Casa de Gozo (translated: Church House of Joy) recently moved from its original location behind First Baptist Church on University Street to the former Episcopalian church building on Lovelace Avenue across from the Business Administration building.

Purchased by the Beulah Baptist Association in support of the local Spanish-speaking ministry, worship services and Bible study have brought the A-frame building, which had been dormant for 15 years, back to life. A dedication of the worship center will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 9. Special visitors will include Roy Soto, the building’s original pastor, Sing Oldham, pastor of First Baptist Church, and Jack Long, director of missions at the Beulah Baptist Association, and others.

Casa de Gozo began in early 1999 as an outreach of First Baptist Church, in response to the immediate needs resulting from an influx of Mexican workers brought into the area to work at the Tyson plant in Union City.

The pastor, Jose “Pepe” Flores, invites everyone to visit. The Sunday worship service begins at 2:20 p.m. and a free fellowship meal follows. There is also a mid-week Bible study at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays.