FIRST BAPTIST CONGREGATIONAL
CHURCH OF CHICAGO
A Historic National Landmark
The First Baptist Congregational Church is a historic Protestant (Christian) church in the United Center
Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois.
History
Mozart Baptist Church was founded in 1946 by five devoted servants—Rev. Henry and Anna McCrory, Willa Mae Taylor Smith, Henrietta Harrison, and Dora Ollief—who built the ministry on prayer, service, and the motto “A Praying Church at Work.” The early church quickly established choirs, ushers, deacons, and deaconess ministries, a nursery, Brotherhood Union, B.T.U., a Board of Education, and a church orchestra, while ordaining ten deacons and two ministers. After the passing of its Rev. Henry McCroy in 1955, Rev. Arthur D. Griffin became pastor in 1957, expanding youth programs and establishing a full Junior Church with GA Girls, Shepherd Boy’s League, Sunshine Band, scouting troops, and a week-day church school. The church also added a full-time secretary, expanded Vacation Bible School into a community day camp, and created new outreach ministries, including two overseas missions and a pledging church in Blue Island, IL. Membership grew steadily, and in 1969 the church began merger discussions with the First Congregational Church of Chicago, broadening its reach and ministry.
The 1970s were a transformative decade for the church. After merging with the United Church of Christ congregation at 60 N. Ashland, the ministry became the First Congregational Baptist Church of Chicago, expanding its outreach to the community. Programs for children and youth were strengthened through the Primary Church and a revitalized Junior Missionary Society, while new member instruction and evangelism efforts, including weekly prayer services in Union Park, enhanced spiritual engagement. In the mid-70s, ministries expanded further with the addition of a music school, Marriage Ministry, Inspirational Choir, and Social Action Committees addressing drug abuse, counseling, job exploration, health care, teen pregnancy, economic development, political awareness, and senior support. Outreach extended to the Dwight Correctional Center, Henry Horner Housing Project, Schwab Rehabilitation Center, and the Ma Houston Halfway House. From 1987 to 1989, the church began purchasing land on West Washington Boulevard, laying the foundation for future community development projects—including what would become the McCrory Senior Apartments. By the end of the decade, membership and ministry had flourished, and the congregation officially became the First Baptist Congregational Church of Chicago.
The 1980s were a decade of spiritual growth, organizational development, and community engagement. Bible Study was strengthened with classes held Monday through Friday, encouraging participation in tithing of time and resources. Programs for men, singles, and young adults flourished, while new ministries such as the Inspirational Choir, Marriage Ministry, and New Members Sunday School became permanent. Social Action Committees expanded support in areas including drug abuse, counseling, job exploration, health care, teen pregnancy, political awareness, cultural enrichment, and senior care. Outreach extended through street evangelism, Bible classes at the Henry Horner Housing Project, and ministry to Dwight Correctional Center, Schwab Rehabilitation Center, and the Ma Houston Halfway House. From 1987 to 1989, the church began purchasing land on West Washington Boulevard, laying the foundation for future community development projects—including what would become the McCrory Senior Apartments. Membership grew significantly, with 1,683 new members welcomed and 19 ministers and 8 deacons ordained. In 1982, the mortgage was burned, and the church was recognized by the Chicago City Council as a Chicago Historical and Architectural Landmark.
The 1990s were a decade of growth, ministry expansion, and community impact for First Baptist Congregational Church. Daily Bible Study strengthened members’ spiritual commitment and tithing, while programs for men, singles, and young adults flourished. Outreach extended beyond the church with bi-monthly Homeless Feeding, participation in the West Side Prayer Vigil, and monthly outdoor worship services for residents of the Henry Horner Housing Complex. The church also advanced community development, partnering with the Interfaith Organizing Project of Greater Chicago on affordable housing, creating the Arthur D. Griffin Community Learning Center to bridge the digital divide, and acquiring property at 1635 W. Washington Boulevard. The decade included major milestones: ordaining six ministers and three deacons in 1998, naming Ashland Avenue in honor of Pastor Dr. Arthur D. Griffin in 1993, and celebrating the fiftieth Jubilee in 1994, when membership reached 2,000—the largest faith community on Chicago’s west side—reflecting a vibrant congregation committed to serving God and the community.
The 2000s were a decade of transition, growth, and expanded ministry for First Baptist Congregational Church. In 2003, Pastor Dr. Arthur D. Griffin retired after 46 years of faithful service, and Rev. George W. Daniels, who had served 30 years as Assistant Pastor, became Senior Pastor. Under his leadership, the ministerial staff was restructured with five Associate Pastors, all church groups were renamed “Fellowship Teams,” and worship and programs were enhanced, including a second Sunday service and a revitalized Women’s Ministry (Daughters of Victory Empowered – DOVE). The church expanded outreach through the Chicago Bible Society, Mission Zone Outreach to nursing homes, and disaster relief efforts in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Haiti, and Ghana, contributing over $91,000 in aid. Community development continued with the retirement of a $500,000 debt, land acquisition for senior housing, and partnership with Heartland Alliance to refurbish the Viceroy Hotel. The decade also marked the launch of the Genesis Newsletter and, in 2008, the passing of Pastor Emeritus Dr. Griffin, whose 51 years of ministry profoundly shaped the congregation and its impact locally and globally.
The decade begins with a tremendous challenge when the Blizzard of 2011 causes severe damage to the church building, including the collapse of a tower and harm to the Great Kimball Pipe Organ. By God’s grace, the congregation recovers, relocating worship services to a neighboring facility and returning to a fully restored house of worship in a celebration of thanksgiving. During this period, the church expands ministries and spiritual growth opportunities: a minister is appointed for Young Adults, Sunday Church School is restructured into Christian Discipleship Training, and new Spiritual Gift classes are established to help members discover and develop their God-given talents. The congregation also mourns the transition to glory of First Lady Emeritus, Sis. Barbara A. Griffin, honoring her life and her remarkable musical contributions to the church’s worship and ministry. Community impact continues with the groundbreaking and completion of 62 units of senior housing in honor of Rev. Henry McCrory, all filled by 2019, while the church deepens its spiritual engagement through Lenten fasting, prayer, and expanded witnessing programs.
In 2020, the congregation faces the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic, which requires suspending in-person gatherings. By God’s grace, FBCC remains connected through conference calls, virtual prayer meetings, Bible studies, and Sunday services, while enhancing its use of social media to maintain fellowship. As restrictions ease in 2021, members gradually return to worship with necessary precautions. In 2025, following a period of prayerful consideration, Dr. Leverette Bryant is elected as the next Senior Pastor and was installed in August, as Pastor Rev. Dr. George W. Daniels transitions to the role of Pastor Emeritus. The congregation continues to trust in God’s guidance, celebrating the faithful leadership of Pastor Daniels and looking forward to this new chapter under Pastor Bryant.