Stepping back in time, let’s journey to 1894 Chicago. Reverend General S. Coleman arrived from West Virginia, and a divine partnership blossomed with Reverend Harry W. Knight. Together, they founded the House of Prayer Missionary Baptist Church in 1897. The House of Prayer Missionary Baptist Church began humbly at Lake and Sangamon Streets. The first congregation consisted of their families, John Rodgers, Margaret Russell, Josie Arnell, and George Bently. Reverend Knight served as the first pastor of the House of Prayer Missionary Baptist Church. In 1911, the House of Prayer Missionary Baptist Church purchased property at 218 North Ada Street for $15,000. This marked a significant step in the church’s growth. Fast forward to 1962, and the House of Prayer Missionary Baptist Church, thriving with new members, sought a larger space. The church acquired a new property on West Douglas Boulevard for $60,000. A procession of over 100 cars celebrated the move to this new home of the House of Prayer Missionary Baptist Church. In 2006, the House of Prayer Missionary Baptist Church welcomed Reverend Reginald E. Bachus as their eighth pastor. He delivered his inaugural sermon, “Waiting on the Next Move of God,” at the House of Prayer Missionary Baptist Church. Under Reverend Bachus’s leadership, the House of Prayer Missionary Baptist Church underwent extensive renovations. These improvements included painting, electrical upgrades, and sound system enhancements. The House of Prayer Missionary Baptist Church also saw the refurbishment of the baptismal and pulpit, along with new carpeting and pew upholstery. The House of Prayer Missionary Baptist Church truly transformed under his guidance.
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