Mount Carmel Baptist Church

Mount Carmel Baptist Church. . This plaque commemorates and honors the strength and courage of Black Oak Park residents who established and built Mount Carmel Baptist Church at this location in 1905, which stood until 1930. Originally, the Church had purchased a property on Cuyler and Chicago Avenues, but after strong opposition from residents, the Village of Oak Park rescinded the building permit and did not allow them to build there. , , Through their persistence and resilience, Black residents were able to own property, start businesses and build community a few decades after emancipation. As a result of their efforts, this area became the social center for Black Oak Park and surrounding communities. In addition, this block and surrounding blocks were where most Black residents of Oak Park lived during the early 1900s. , , The church mysteriously caught fire on Christmas Day, 1929. The suspicious fire caused $1000 in damages to the building. The extent of the damage prompted the church's congregation to sell the building in 1930. At the time of the fire, the general locale was experiencing economic growth and fast becoming a thriving commercial center. The Black community dwindled over the next 30 years with many Black residents moving to Maywood and surrounding communities. , , The journey of Black residents in the area was not an easy one. However, by virtue of their strength of character, self-pride, and goal-driven hard work, they envisioned their industriousness translating into an investment for the future of their children. , , This plaque commemorates the early Black residents of Oak Park who overcame great odds to build community in a town that did not always welcome them. We thank them, we honor them and this plaque will stand forever in their memory.