Pilgrim Baptist Church facts for kids
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Kehilath Anshe Ma'ariv Synagogue
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Pilgrim Baptist Church, June 1964.
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| Location | Chicago, Illinois |
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| Built | 1890 |
| Architect | Adler & Sullivan |
| Architectural style | Chicago |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000696 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 26, 1973 |
Pilgrim Baptist Church is a famous building in Chicago, Illinois. It is located on the South Side of the city. This historic building was first built as a synagogue, which is a Jewish house of worship. Later, it became a Baptist church.
The church is important for two main reasons. First, it has special architecture. Second, it played a big role in American culture. It is located in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood. In 2017, the church was sold to the National Museum of Gospel Music.
Contents
A Look at the Church's History
The building was designed by famous Chicago architects Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler. It was built between 1890 and 1891. At first, it was home to a Jewish congregation called Kehilath Anshe Ma'ariv. This group was important in developing Reform Judaism, a type of Judaism. Dankmar Adler was a member of this congregation.
In 1922, a Baptist group moved into the building. They formed the Pilgrim Baptist Church.
Birthplace of Gospel Music
Pilgrim Baptist Church is known as the birthplace of gospel music. This happened in the 1930s. Thomas A. Dorsey, often called the "Father of Gospel Music," was the music director there for many years. Many famous singers performed at the church. These include Albertina Walker, Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin, and The Staples Singers.
Important People and Events
Many important people were part of the church. Bessie Coleman, a pioneering aviator, was a member. The church also held the funeral for boxer Jack Johnson in 1946.
Pilgrim Baptist Church was also very active in the Civil Rights Movement. Martin Luther King Jr. gave speeches at the church during this time.
In 1973, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes important historical sites in the United States. In 1981, it was named a Chicago Landmark. The church also had large murals painted by William E. Scott in the 1930s. The pastor, Junius C. Austin, hired both Scott and Dorsey. This helped the church become one of the largest in the country.
The Fire of 2006
On January 6, 2006, a fire started at the church. The fire spread and badly damaged the inside of the building. Investigators believed the fire started by accident. Workers were doing repairs on the roof. They were using a blowtorch to seal metal parts.
The fire destroyed many historical records. It also burned boxes of Thomas A. Dorsey's original sheet music. A school across the street had to be emptied. Windows of a nearby college were broken by the heat. Cars parked near the church were also badly burned.
After the fire, the brick and stone outer walls were still standing. They were found to be strong enough. A steel frame was later added to the outside. This frame helps support the walls. It prepares the building for future rebuilding. The church congregation now meets in a building across the street.
Plans for Rebuilding
After the fire, the church decided to rebuild. They want to reconstruct the church on the same spot. There are enough old plans and photos to help them rebuild it accurately. They will make some changes for modern needs.
The goal is to rebuild the church to look like it did in the 1920s and 1930s. This period was chosen because it was when gospel music became famous there. The building also still looked much like its original design by Adler & Sullivan then.
The outside of the church will be rebuilt to look just like it did originally. The inside will also be rebuilt to look similar. However, it will be updated for modern access and church use. A storm in August 2020 caused some damage. But this damage was not expected to stop the rebuilding plans.
See also
- Chicago architecture
