During the Advent season of 1959, Doña Yvonne convened the 13th Bible study retreat, which she had been holding since 1955. It was the first to be held at the Emmanuel Center as such, with its chapel, dining room, kitchen, and first rooms inaugurated.

It was formally established as the Emmanuel Center for Spiritual Retreats and Christian Studies in May 1963. The board consisted of members of the Galland family, as well as representatives from the Waldensian Evangelical Church of the Río de la Plata, the Methodist Church in Uruguay, the Evangelical Mennonite Church, the Salvation Army, and the Federation of Evangelical Churches of Uruguay.

Currently, the Board of Directors is made up of representatives from:

• Evangelical Church of the Río de la Plata
• Waldensian Evangelical Church of the Río de la Plata
• Methodist Church in Uruguay

Between the 1960s and 1970s, the Center participated in a period of intense ecumenical dialogue, permeated by significant movements in the history of our region: the activity of ISAL (Church and Society in Latin America), the impact of liberation theology, and exploration in the field of popular education. In the mid-1980s, after a long dictatorship in Uruguay, the return to democracy redefined old dreams and generated new pursuits. The idea of ​​starting a demonstration agroecological farm flourished in 1987, following the acquisition of the remainder of the original farm from the Galland-van Barchem family—bringing the property to its current total of 25 hectares.

The Emmanuel Center has established itself as an open space for dialogue and addressing the needs and issues of its time: it has matured its commitment to social, environmental, and local development issues, themes that renew theological reflection and nurture a spirituality connected to the land.

In the field of agroecology, we work tirelessly to promote knowledge and sustainable agricultural and livestock practices, with technical support programs, generating networks among rural families, and supporting training and the exchange of knowledge. The farm provides a technical space for experimenting with and sharing agroecological practices, as well as a training experience with an interpretive circuit that invites educational and ecotourism groups to learn about the reasons for and benefits of a sustainable agroecosystem.

In the field of ecotheology, we seek to raise awareness among faith communities and the general population in our commitment to more just ways of relating to Creation. Theological reflection and biblical studies are promoted with a focus on recognizing and valuing biodiversity, supporting churches, social organizations, and educational institutions in incorporating the socio-environmental dimension as an important element for commitment and the generation of concrete actions. As on the Center’s first day, the retreats continue to be spaces for encounter: with oneself, with others, with the rest of Creation, where one can connect with the earth and its fruits, renewing hope for a more just world.

From the socio-environmental commitment and the voluntary action of the ecotheology team, an initiative has emerged to raise awareness about biodiversity and generate different movements alongside other social actors: EL REPIQUE. Since 2022, this program has highlighted the importance of the native landscape, the original ecosystems of our region, and their plant and animal components. Through planting native trees, recognizing invasive species that affect the environment, and sharing regeneration strategies, EL REPIQUE encourages more people to “repique” biodiversity movements, growing the network of environmental commitment.