Can a church be a cradle of gospel music and a hub for social change? Here at Progressive Community Church, the answer is a resounding yes. Progressive Community Church isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and community activism in Chicago. Established in 1922 in the heart of Bronzeville, Progressive Community Church holds a unique distinction. It was one of the first two independent, non-denominational African-American churches in the United States. Its founding coincided with the Great Migration, a period when thousands of African Americans sought new spiritual homes in the North. Progressive Community Church offered them just that.
The church, under its first pastor, Reverend Joseph A. Winters, broke away from traditional denominations. It embraced the Bible, the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the power of traditional worship. However, it also remained open to the changing world. This forward-thinking approach is evident in the establishment of America’s very first gospel chorus at Progressive Community Church in 1926. This predates the more famous gospel chorus founded by Thomas A. Dorsey at Pilgrim Baptist Church by six years. Even giants of gospel music like Thomas Dorsey and Mahalia Jackson graced Progressive Community Church with their presence and performances in the 1920s. So, while Pilgrim Baptist is often credited as the birthplace of gospel, Progressive Community Church can rightly claim to be its cradle.
Progressive Community Church has always been more than just a sanctuary. It’s been a catalyst for social change. In the 1920s, Reverend Winters opened the church doors to A. Philip Randolph, allowing him to establish a local chapter of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. In the 1930s, Winters faced threats for his stance against gangs. In the 1960s, under Pastor William Knighten, the church served as a staging area for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s marches into Marquette Park. The church’s commitment to social justice continued into the 1990s under the leadership of Reverend Dr. B. Herbert Martin, Sr., who spearheaded efforts for racial reconciliation. Progressive Community Church also served as the home church of Chicago Mayor Harold Washington until his passing in 1987. His connection to the church further underscores its deep roots within the community.
Progressive Community Church has witnessed and participated in the transformation of Bronzeville and the Grand Boulevard neighborhood. Through the demolition of the Robert Taylor Homes and the subsequent changes, the church has remained a constant. It continues to be a beacon of hope and a dynamic force for God’s work in Chicago. As Progressive Community Church approaches its centennial year at 48th and Wabash, it continues to honor its mission. It strives to maintain the rich traditions of African-American worship while embracing the new. This church is a true “Miracle on 48th Street,” a testament to the enduring power of faith and community.