“What if I told you that the First Church of Deliverance in Chicago started in someone’s home?” That might sound humble but its impact has been anything but. The First Church of Deliverance is more than just a place of worship. It’s a landmark. It’s a testament to faith. It’s a beacon of hope in the heart of the community.
In 1928 Clarence Henry Cobbs was on a bus when he heard the voice of God. God told him to start a church called First Church of Deliverance. The Lord promised deliverance from adversity to those who joined.
The first service was held in Reverend Cobbs’ home in 1929. He was known as the Boy Wonder. Bishop William Frank Taylor ordained Cobbs later that year. The first church building was on State Street in Chicago. The church moved to a former hat factory. The first service there was in June 1933.
Reverend Cobbs hired Walter Thomas Bailey to remodel the building. Bailey was the first African American architectural engineering graduate. He was also the first licensed African American architect in Illinois. Bailey designed the Art Moderne facade for First Church of Deliverance in 1939.
A fire broke out in the church in 1945. Lillian “Snookie” Lewis discovered it. She used two nickels to call for help. One nickel called the fire department. The other alerted Reverend Thornton. Despite the damage the congregation repaired the church.
Fred Jones painted two murals in the church. One mural depicts people coming to Christ. The other represents the church’s relationship with God. Jones also carved the main entrance doors. He used a 100-year-old oak tree.
Reverend Cobbs bought a Mobile Canteen after a tragic accident in 1950. It was for disaster emergency use. He also started the First Visiting Nurses Aid Service.
First Church of Deliverance has a long history of broadcasting. It began in 1933. It was the first African American church to broadcast services on television in 1953.
The church also established the Maggie Drummond Community Center and Day Care. It provided tutoring and counseling. A Convalescent Home was opened in 1970. A Children’s Church building was dedicated in 1978.
Reverend James R. Bryson Jr. implemented numerous outreach ministries. These included a Clothing Boutique a Food Pantry and a Prison Ministry.
The First Church of Deliverance has had five pastors. Each has contributed to the church and community. The church has many firsts. It was the first to sing Gospel music. It established the first blood bank at Provident Hospital. It was the first to build a church for children.
The legacy of First Church of Deliverance continues. It remains a beacon of hope. It is a testament to the power of faith and community. It is still doing great things. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith. It is a place where anyone can experience deliverance.