National Evangelical Church, Manama

The National Evangelical Church in Manama is a historic Christian place of worship that has been serving the local and expatriate community since the 19th century. The church was founded in the early 1900s, stemming from the efforts of Christian Medical Missionaries from the Reformed Church of America who initially came to Bahrain to establish a hospital. Alongside the American Mission Hospital, which still operates near the church, the National Evangelical Church was established in 1905 and has been a cornerstone of Christian worship in the region.

One of the significant congregations within the church is the English Language Congregation (ELC), which dates back to 1893. This was the year when Rev. Samuel Zwemer, alongside a team from the Reformed Church in America, arrived in Bahrain. Their mission extended beyond medical care to setting up educational facilities, which eventually led to the formation of the church. The ELC epitomizes the interdenominational and ethnically diverse nature of the church, drawing members from various nationalities and backgrounds, reflecting a microcosm of the universal church. The congregation celebrates unity in diversity, bound by a common faith, hope, and love, making it a unique spiritual home in Bahrain.