Bishop Cornelius Southern had a vision. Can you imagine founding a church with only seven members? That’s exactly what he did. Right here in Chicago, the Grace Apostolic Church was born in 1968. The initial group consisted of Bishop Southern, his wife Evangelist Gussie Southern, their children, siblings, and other close family. Their first home was a humble space on South Cottage Grove Avenue.
The Grace Apostolic Church quickly grew, becoming an integral part of the Illinois District Council. Within two years, the congregation moved to a new location on South Ashland Avenue. It was here, above the church itself, that the Southern family resided. Imagine living and breathing your faith, quite literally living above where you worship! This dedication and passion resonated with the community, and the Grace Apostolic Church continued to flourish.
By 1976, the church found its current home on South Exchange Avenue. Bishop Southern, a true visionary, saw the potential for further expansion. He oversaw the purchase of adjacent property, laying the groundwork for a new edifice. Sadly, he passed away in 2007 before his vision could be fully realized.
But the story of the Grace Apostolic Church doesn’t end there. Bishop Southern’s son, Maurice, took up the mantle. He was elected Elder and Pastor, guided by his father’s dream. And in 2010, that dream was fulfilled. The new edifice, a testament to Bishop Southern’s unwavering faith and his son’s dedication, was completed. As you stand here, looking at this thriving church, remember the power of faith, family, and the legacy one man built with just seven souls.