Who So Ever Will Let Him Come Missionary Baptist Church

Tucked away in the vibrant tapestry of Chicago’s religious landscape is the Who So Ever Will Let Him Come Missionary Baptist Church. A church’s name can sometimes tell a story. Who So Ever Will Let Him Come’s name speaks volumes about inclusivity and the open arms of faith. Let’s delve into the story of this welcoming sanctuary. Now, the knowledge I have access to doesn’t directly mention Who So Ever Will Let Him Come Missionary Baptist Church. It instead focuses on Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, another significant Baptist church in Chicago. While I can’t offer specific details about Who So Ever Will Let Him Come, the story of Ebenezer provides a glimpse into the rich history and cultural impact of Baptist churches within the city. Ebenezer, founded in 1902, emerged from a disagreement within Olivet Missionary Baptist Church, Chicago’s oldest African American Baptist church. A determined group, led by Reverend J.F. Thomas, left Olivet to establish their own spiritual home, Ebenezer. The name, suggested by Eliza Jackson, resonated with the congregation. They started at Arlington Hall, but their numbers quickly outgrew the space. In just a year, they purchased a larger building, and later, an even grander one – the former Isaiah Temple synagogue on 45th and Vincennes. This building, acquired in 1920, remains Ebenezer’s home to this day. Ebenezer’s history intertwines with the birth of gospel music. Reverend J.H.L. Smith, Ebenezer’s third pastor, had a vision of a chorus singing the soulful spirituals of the South. This vision led to the formation of Ebenezer’s gospel chorus in 1932, directed by Theodore Frye and initially accompanied by the legendary Thomas A. Dorsey. The chorus, with its innovative sound, quickly gained fame, shaping gospel music and nurturing talents like Roberta Martin. Ebenezer’s influence extended beyond music. The church became a hub for civil rights activism, supporting causes like the defense of Ethiopia and the March on Washington. It also provided social services and fostered a strong sense of community, especially for Southern migrants. While our knowledge base doesn’t offer insights into the specifics of Who So Ever Will Let Him Come Missionary Baptist Church, the story of Ebenezer illuminates the broader context of Baptist churches in Chicago. Their evolution, their contributions to music and social change, and their enduring presence within the community offer a captivating narrative.