Looking up, you see a towering, ornate brick structure. This is the Union Missionary Baptist Church, a remarkable building with a history as vibrant as its stained glass windows.
It began life as the Church of the Redeemer, a Universalist congregation in 1886. The design, a masterpiece of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, was created by William Le Baron Jenney, known as the father of the skyscraper. This very church was built a year before his famous Home Insurance Building, the world’s first skyscraper. The church’s history is as rich and diverse as its congregation, going well beyond its stunning architecture.
From the very beginning, the church was a pillar of the community. During the Civil War, many members enlisted in the Union Army, some even serving as officers. Afterward, the congregation grew and played a pivotal role in social activism. They actively supported women’s right to vote and championed the welfare of children.
In 1928, the church was purchased by the Greater Union Missionary Baptist Church, a black congregation. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for the church, one that became synonymous with the civil rights movement. Through the passionate leadership of pastors like Reverend Shelbia H. Graham and Reverend Walter Arthur McCray, the church became a beacon of hope and support for the African American community in Chicago. They advocated for social justice, played a prominent role in the NAACP, and even raised funds for the victims of the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.
Today, the Union Missionary Baptist Church continues to be a vital part of its community, its history woven into the fabric of Chicago’s rich cultural tapestry. From the echoes of its past as a Universalist church to its profound impact on civil rights and social justice, this church stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and community.