Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ

In 1955, Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ became a focal point of the Civil Rights Movement. A young boy named Emmett Till, just fourteen years old, lay in an open casket inside its sanctuary. His brutal murder in Mississippi had shocked the nation. His mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, bravely insisted on the open casket. She wanted the world to see the horrific consequences of racial hatred. Thousands of mourners flocked to Roberts Temple to pay their respects. They came to witness the grim reality of Till’s fate. The church, founded in 1916 by Elder William Roberts, became a symbol of both grief and resistance. Originally located elsewhere in Chicago, the congregation found its permanent home on South State Street in 1922. The Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ building we see today has seen some changes over the years. Initially a one-story brick structure, a second story was added in 1927. Later renovations in 1992 resulted in the tan brick exterior and updated sanctuary that we see today. The church is more than just the site of Emmett Till’s funeral. It’s a living testament to a community’s strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ continues to serve its congregation. It stands as a powerful reminder of the struggle for civil rights and the importance of fighting for justice.