Flickering candlelight dances across stained-glass windows. That light illuminates the story of South Community Church. But what is that story? The South Side’s religious communities were initially white and Protestant. They gathered in various congregations. These included Presbyterian and Congregational churches. They also included Unitarian and Episcopalian churches. These churches dotted the south lakeshore.
Later, immigrants arrived. They came from southern and central Europe. They brought Roman Catholics and Jews to the South Side. The religious landscape transformed dramatically. This happened as the Great Migration brought African Americans to Chicago. Many Jewish congregations sold their synagogues to black Protestant congregations. Pilgrim Baptist Church is a notable example.
Other churches began to emerge. These included Methodist and Pentecostal churches. They replaced older Catholic and Protestant churches. African American churches faced resistance. Some were even firebombed.
However, several Roman Catholic parishes thrived. St. Anselm and St. Ambrose became centers of African American Catholic life. Less conventional religious movements also emerged. Prince Hall Freemasonry gained popularity. It shared a spirit of occult mysticism. This also included ethnic pride. The Moorish Science Temple and the Nation of Islam emerged. They played a role in the Black Nationalist movement.
Today, the religious life on the South Side is diverse. You can find venerable synagogues. You can also find multi-racial Protestant churches. Storefront Baptist and Pentecostal congregations also exist. These congregations emerged after the Great Migration. The monuments of the early African American church stand tall in Chicago. You can also find historic African-American Catholic parishes. Finally, the megachurches characterize much of the new South Side.
Plymouth Congregational Church and South Congregational Church united. They formed United Plymouth Congregational Church in 1874. Plymouth was founded in 1852. It was on the southeast corner of Dearborn and Madison. South Church was founded in 1853. It was on the northeast corner of Calumet and 26th. The congregation moved to South Church’s home at Indiana and 26th.
Second Presbyterian Church stands as a constant. It marks the 150th anniversary of its landmarked building. It is located at Michigan and Cullerton. The South Loop neighborhood has seen changes. It was the most exclusive residential district in Chicago. But it underwent a rapid transformation. By the 1950s, it was declared one of the worst slums in the city. However, it saw a renaissance in the 21st century. New residents embraced living close to downtown.
The story of South Community Church is one of change. It is a story of diversity and resilience. It reflects the evolving religious landscape of Chicago’s South Side.