New Salem Missionary Baptist Church

In February 1911, a small group of believers ignited a flame that would burn brightly for over a century. They founded the New Salem Missionary Baptist Church at 31st and Federal Street in Chicago. Let’s step back in time and explore the fascinating journey of this historic church. New Salem Missionary Baptist Church wasn’t always at its current location. The congregation first met at 31st and Federal, then moved to 3000 S. LaSalle Street in 1912, inhabiting a building formerly known as the Swedish Covenant Tabernacle. A mere nine years later, in 1921, they celebrated a significant milestone: burning the mortgage papers. This victory, however, was followed by a period of change and growth. Sadly, in 1922, their founding pastor, Rev. James H. Haywood, passed away. Later that year, a part of the congregation branched off to form Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, and Rev. Bland L. Rose stepped in to lead New Salem. More changes were on the horizon. In 1926, another group departed to establish the New Covenant Baptist Church. It was during this time that New Salem underwent a name change, becoming Greater New Salem Missionary Baptist Church. The church continued to evolve under the leadership of several pastors: Rev. C.C. Harper from Dallas, Texas, in 1927, Rev. Balou in 1929, and Rev. G.W. Allen in 1930. Yet another split occurred in 1930, leading to the creation of Zion Temple Baptist Church. The baton then passed to Rev. W. Louis Petty in 1934. Following Rev. Petty’s death in 1954, Rev. Leon Jenkins, Sr. became the pastor, guiding the church through a significant move to its current location at 215 W. 71st Street in 1958. The legacy continued with Rev. Leon Jenkins, Jr., who took the helm in 1990, after his father’s passing in 1989. Under his leadership, Greater New Salem Missionary Baptist Church witnessed another historic moment in 2019, when Minister Georgia Archibald Little and Minister Sheila Harmon became the first women licensed to preach in the church’s history. Their subsequent ordination in 2021 marked a significant step forward for the church. Today, Greater New Salem Missionary Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith, resilience, and community. It’s a place where history whispers through the halls and the spirit of togetherness continues to inspire.