Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church (Chicago) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church
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 Location in Chicago metropolitan area
Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | 4501 S. Vincennes Ave., Chicago, Illinois |
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| Built | 1899 |
| Architect | Dankmar Adler |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical |
| NRHP reference No. | 16000734 |
| Added to NRHP | October 24, 2016 |
The Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church is a special historic building. It is located at 4501 S. Vincennes Avenue in the Grand Boulevard area of Chicago, Illinois. The building was finished in 1899. It was first used as a synagogue for a group called the Isaiah Temple congregation.
A famous architect named Dankmar Adler designed the building. He also worked with Louis Sullivan on many of Chicago's early tall buildings. Adler's father was a rabbi, and he designed other synagogues in Chicago too. The church building has a beautiful Neoclassical style.
Contents
History of the Church
From Synagogue to Church
In the early 1900s, many African-American families moved into the neighborhood. This changed the people living in the area. In 1921, the Isaiah Temple congregation sold the building. The Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church congregation bought it. This church was for the Black community.
Birthplace of Gospel Music
The Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church became very important for music. In 1931, the first gospel choir was started there. Gospel music is a type of religious music. Leaders like Thomas A. Dorsey, Theodore Frye, and Roberta Martin helped make gospel music popular. They shared this music in many Black churches in Chicago.
Famous Musicians
The church's choir helped many musicians become famous. These included amazing singers like Mahalia Jackson and Sallie Martin. Dinah Washington, another great singer, also got her start there. Even rock and roll pioneer Bo Diddley played in the church's orchestra. The church was a place where musical talent grew.
A Historic Landmark
The Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church is recognized as a very important place. On October 24, 2016, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a special building that should be protected.
