Rose of Sharon Community Baptist Church

The Rose of Sharon Community Baptist Church has a powerful history woven into the fabric of Chicago’s West Side. This church stands as a testament to faith, resilience, and community. Rose of Sharon Community Baptist Church was founded in 1955 by the late Reverend James A. Murphy Sr., a visionary leader who built the church into a cornerstone of the community. Rev. Murphy Sr. also owned a series of successful businesses on the West Side, including a dry-cleaning chain, a supper club, a restaurant, and a real estate agency. He was an entrepreneur with a deep commitment to his congregation. He made the church a household name, broadcasting its services for over 50 years across Chicago radio stations. In the 1990s, he even launched a television program called “The Lord Will Make a Way,” featuring his rendition of the beloved song of the same title. The church has been a vital part of the community, even facing adversity like a fire that destroyed its building on West Warren. However, they persevered and relocated several times until they finally settled in Maywood, seeking a smaller, more affordable space closer to their members in the suburbs. This transition was driven by the church’s desire for a more practical setting for a shrinking membership. Rose of Sharon Community Baptist Church continues its legacy by serving the community and providing a space for faith and fellowship.