From its humble beginnings as a small tent a powerful legacy unfolded. Welcome to Greater Harvest MB Church. Now known as State Street Baptist Church this place pulsates with a rich history. It started in 1912 with just one man and one woman. Rev Louis Boddie answered God’s call. He organized Greater Harvest at 4419 S State Street.
The church moved several times. It finally settled at 5121 S State Street. This was once a garage and a funeral home. Imagine Rev Boddie himself hauling bricks and cement in his Lincoln. He believed faith without works is dead. The building earned a nickname: The Little Wigwam. It was a simple structure. It had a dirt floor a potbelly stove and donated chairs.
A baptismal pool was lacking. Rev Boddie used St John AME Church’s pool or Lake Michigan. His wife Sylvia directed the ten-member choir. She also composed songs. She led two groups: The Harvest Gospel Singers and The Boddiettes. These small groups made a huge impact across the US.
In 1945 Greater Harvest began broadcasting on WAAF radio. The broadcasts aired coast to coast. Bessie Davidson was the first announcer. Gospel music followed. Gospel music was unusual in Baptist churches then. Rev Boddie welcomed all singers. Many famous gospel singers got their start on his program. Mahalia Jackson Albertina Walker The Barrett Singers and Shirley Caesar are some examples.
Some ministers opposed Rev Boddie. They tried to get Greater Harvest off the air. They failed. The radio station liked Rev Boddie and his program. The broadcasts continue today. The church grew rapidly. It expanded into the Coleman School. Rev Boddie taught about holiness the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues. He even brought back water from the Jordan River.
The National Baptist Convention rejected Greater Harvest. It wasn’t considered traditional Baptist. It was called sanctified. In 1949 Greater Harvest moved to its current location. The church provided shelter and food to the poor. It became a vital community center. Its mission was to help the needy. Mother Catherine Bracken led missionaries. They were called the ladies in blue. They cared for the sick and the homeless.
Rev Boddie’s ministry extended to disaster relief. He aided victims of a gas truck and streetcar collision. He sent aid to flood victims in Fayetteville Tennessee. For 53 years he led Greater Harvest. In 1992 a part of State Street was named in his honor.
After Rev Boddie’s passing other pastors continued his work. Rev Henry Bracken Rev AC Coleman and Rev Robert L Polk all served. Elder Eric Thomas became pastor in 2007. He is a product of Greater Harvest. He continues the church’s mission of service. State Street Baptist Church still provides food clothing and other necessities. It hosts community festivals and outreach programs. Greater Harvest remains a beacon of hope and service in Chicago. Its enduring legacy honors Rev Boddie and all who followed in his footsteps.