Is this the church where the “King of Soul” was laid to rest? You’re looking at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. It has seen a lot of history. This church, located at 4130 S. Indiana Ave., stands as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Bronzeville. Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church has been a beacon of faith and community since its establishment. It has deep roots in the civil rights movement and has hosted prominent figures. The church was a place where Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. himself delivered powerful speeches. It even welcomed former President Jimmy Carter. The church’s legacy extends beyond political activism. In 1965, it served as the somber setting for the funeral of Sam Cooke, the legendary “King of Soul”. Cooke’s soulful voice resonated through the very walls where you stand now. His loss was a blow to the music world. In 2022, the church once again witnessed the power of music when singer Smokey Robinson delivered a heartfelt eulogy for Reverend Reginald Burke. Burke, a former reverend of Tabernacle, had served as Robinson’s pianist. The story of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church is one of resilience and change. It faced financial hardships in 2017 leading to foreclosure. A loan specialist, Eagle Ledge Foundations, entered the picture and a legal battle for ownership ensued. By 2023, the church was listed for sale, a move that sparked concern among the community. Preservation Chicago joined forces with parishioners to protect this historic landmark. The history of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church is a testament to its enduring presence in the Bronzeville community. It’s a story that deserves to be remembered.
Congregation Or Torah
Rabbi Zvi Engel’s leadership guides Congregation Or Torah. This impressive Modern Orthodox Synagogue stands proudly in Skokie Illinois. It’s one