Douglas (Bronzeville) in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Pilgrim Baptist Church
| | Chicago Landmark | |
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, December 6, 2021
1. Pilgrim Baptist Church Marker
Pilgrim Baptist Church
Adler and Sullivan, Architects
1891
The decorative and planning skills of Sullivan and the engineering ability of Adler are embodied in the strong masonry forms of this building, embellished with terra-cotta intricate foliage designs that also ornament the interior. Built as Kehilath Anshe Ma'ariv synagogue, the building has housed the Pilgrim Baptist congregation since 1922.
Designated a Chicago Landmark on December 18, 1981 by the City Council of Chicago.
Jane M. Byrne, Mayor
Erected by Commission on Chicago Historical and Architectural Landmarks.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Illinois, Chicago Landmarks Commission, and the Synagogues series lists.
Location. 41° 50.068′ N, 87° 37.297′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Douglas (Bronzeville). It can be reached from South Indiana Avenue near East 33rd Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3301 South Indiana Avenue, Chicago IL 60616, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Chicago Defender Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Unity Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Robert W. Roloson Houses (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bishop Louis Henry Ford
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. Douglas Plaza (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed); Camp Douglas (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
More about this marker. The marker is difficult to see as the bracing, fencing, and occasional parked vehicles will obscure it when viewed from afar.
Also see . . .
1. Kehilath Anshe Ma'ariv Synagogue...(Historic American Buildings Survey). Nine photos plus some schematics and two pages of data for the structure. (Submitted on January 4, 2022.)
2. Pilgrim Baptist Church (Wikipedia).
History excerpt: "The church is credited as the birthplace of gospel music in the 1930s. Thomas A. Dorsey, the "Father of Gospel Music", was the music director at Pilgrim Baptist for decades. Albertina Walker, Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Sallie Martin, James Cleveland, The Staples Singers, and The Edwin Hawkins Singers are among those who have sung at the church....(Submitted on January 4, 2022.)
Famous members of the congregation include Bessie Coleman. The church also hosted the funeral service of boxer Jack Johnson in 1946, and was prominent inthe Civil Rights Movement. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered sermons at the church during the height of the movement."Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, December 6, 20212. Pilgrim Baptist Church Marker - wide view (taken through the fence)The walls of the building are fenced off and braced, as well, as the building awaits the renovation/reconstruction that is intended to transform it into the National Museum of Gospel Music.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, December 6, 2021
3. First a synagogue, then a church, and then someday in the future - a National Museum of Gospel Music
Harold Allen (Historic American Buidings Survey, Library of Congress), 1964
4. NORTH AND WEST (FRONT) SIDES - Kehilath Anshe Ma'ariv Synagogue, 3301 South Indiana Avenue...
"Significance: One of the few example of ecclesiastical architecture to come from the office of Adler and Sullivan, this Chicago synagogue of 1890-91 was originally intended to be far more elegant and monumental. The exterior of the building is of heavy rusticated stone, while the interior displays a profusion of Sullivan ornament."
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 944 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 4, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
