UPDATE: Bronzeville’s historic First Church of Deliverance has been awarded a significant $150,000 preservation grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This urgent funding, announced just hours ago, will support crucial restoration efforts for the iconic church, a pillar of the community since 1939.
Located at 4315 S. Wabash Ave., the church is recognized for its unique streamline Art Moderne architecture. The grant is part of a larger initiative by the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, which aims to protect modernist buildings designed by Black architects. This initiative is co-funded by the Getty Foundation and totals $750,000 across five grants.
Brent Leggs, executive director of the trust’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, emphasized the church’s significance, stating, “
Preserving it means keeping the rhythm of faith, art, and community pulsing for generations to come.
” The funding will enable the congregation to implement a comprehensive preservation and maintenance plan, ensuring the church’s legacy is upheld.
Designed by Walter T. Bailey, the first licensed Black architect in Illinois, the church features a striking façade and a vibrant interior. The church also boasts a stunning colorfully-lit cross above the main aisle, attracting architecture enthusiasts during events like the Chicago Architecture Center’s Open House Chicago.
The First Church of Deliverance has already undertaken substantial repairs, including restoration of its façade and oak front doors, funded by a previous $228,000 grant from the Chicago Department of Planning and Development. However, much work remains. Marcella Thomas, who is pivotal in the church’s restoration efforts, stated, “The assessment of the church is first because that’s the anchor. It has been an anchor for many years and it continues to be that.”
Critical repairs are still needed, particularly for the church’s towers and stained glass features, as well as the 1946 murals by local artist Fred Jones. “We’re looking to do what’s necessary to keep the legacy alive,” Thomas added.
The congregation remains active and committed to serving the community, a mission that was strongly championed by the church’s founder, Rev. Clarence H. Cobbs. Historically, the church has been a beacon of hope, organizing soup lines and providing essential services to underserved community members.
As preservation efforts ramp up, the First Church of Deliverance stands poised to continue its vital role in the Bronzeville community, ensuring that its rich history and architectural beauty endure for future generations. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!
