Stepping onto South Prairie Avenue, you’ll see the Greater True Vine Missionary Baptist Church standing tall, a beacon of faith in the heart of Chicago. Its history stretches back to 1967, born from the vision of a group of dedicated men seeking to spread the Gospel.
The church first opened its doors on West Roosevelt Road, a vibrant and diverse neighborhood brimming with life. Without a pastor, the congregation prayed for guidance, and Rev. Walter Coolidge was chosen to lead them. However, his tenure proved short-lived, as he resigned in 1968, leaving the church to search for a new shepherd. Rev. Curtis Brooks stepped into the role, but his time, too, was brief, ending in 1969.
During this period of transition, the church found its path forward with Rev. L.C. Caver, whose own congregation, United Baptist Church, merged with Greater True Vine. Together, they faced challenges and triumphs, witnessing growth and expansion. Deacon Willie Jordan Sr. and Deacon Govan Campbell emerged as leaders, both going on to establish their own churches, Jordan Temple Baptist Church and Holy Ground Baptist Church, respectively.
The Lord blessed the church with the ability to purchase its building on West Roosevelt Road, a testament to their faithful devotion, and the congregation continued to bloom. The church then moved to a new location on West Chicago Avenue in 1974, and finally to its present place on West Division Street in 1982.
This building, while beautiful, required a great deal of work. The pastor, deacons, members, and devoted friends like Bobbie Williams and Alex Bruno, worked tirelessly for months to remodel it. On December 22, 1982, their efforts paid off, as they moved into their new place of worship. Rev. Forrest Norvell, Pastor of St. Rest MBC, offered a prayer of dedication, while Rev. Willie A. Kelly, Pastor of Rising Sun MBC, delivered the first sermon. It was a day of great joy and celebration.
Under Pastor Caver’s leadership, the church flourished. New deacons were added, preachers confessed their call into the ministry, and souls were saved. In 1996, after 27 years of service, Pastor Caver stepped down, and the church welcomed Rev. John E. Collins Sr. as their new shepherd.
Continuing the legacy of faith and service, Pastor Collins has overseen the expansion of church ministries, the acceptance of new preachers, and the purchase of additional properties. The church has played a crucial role in the community, providing food for the needy and establishing programs to nourish the minds and spirits of its members. The church remains committed to Christian education, a vision dear to Pastor Collins’ heart, and is now a part of the Sunlight District, United Baptist State Convention, and The National Baptist Convention.