Reconstruction Plans
Following the devastating fire that destroyed all but the exterior masonry walls of Pilgrim Baptist Church, the congregation committed to reconstructing the church on the current site. Sufficient documentation exists to ensure an accurate reproduction of the church, allowing for necessary alterations related to current liturgical and code requirements.
The target period for reconstruction of Pilgrim Baptist is the 1920s-1930s era. This period was chosen because it was during this time that, as Pilgrim Baptist Church, the most significant events associated with the building, including the rise of gospel music, occurred. At the same time, the building itself retained most of the physical elements that characterized its original design as a synagogue by Adler & Sullivan.
The exterior of the structure will be reconstructed to include all of the character-defining features of its original construction, which survived into the 1920s. At the interior, the sanctuary will be reconstructed to include all of the character-defining features of its original construction, with necessary modifications to accommodate modern accessibility and church usage requirements.
The Pilgrim Baptist project includes not only reconstruction of the historic structure, but also the addition of two new buildings in order to accommodate the growing needs of the church. A small addition will house community service facilities including classrooms and a small multi-purpose room. A second, larger addition will house support facilities for the sanctuary including a large assembly hall, classrooms and offices.
The community services building will be constructed on the site south of Pilgrim Baptist Church. The new building will be designed in a contemporary style, while picking up visual cues from the church.
The community center will be built on the southwest corner of Prairie Avenue and 33rd Street. The design will reflect the character of the Prairie Avenue Historic District.
The rebuilding project will be separated into three phases. Phase 1 will reconstruct the exterior and interior of the church in addition to improvements to parking and landscaping. Phase 2 will construct the community services building to the south of the church. Phase 3 will construct the church support building to the east of the church.
Help Us Rebuild
All donations received by this special website will be deposited in a special account designated solely for the rebuilding of this Historic Landmark Structure designed by Adler and Sullivan.