If the money flows in from fundraising efforts, Pilgrim Baptist Church, the birthplace of gospel music and where late gospel singer Mahalia Jackson sang in the choir, could re-open possibly within the next five years, according to plans unveiled Sept. 21.
Pilgrim Baptist, built in 1890 at 3301 S. Indiana Ave., was razed by fire in January 2006. Workers repairing the church’s roof accidentally set the building ablaze. Only the church’s four walls remain. Parishoners have since been meeting at a community center across from the church.
Church officials said a $37 million plan–largely financed through fundraising–to build the church includes two additional buildings: a cultural center and a social services building. Local architectural firm Johnson & Lee is presiding over the development. They plan to have the new church resemble the original structure.
Fundraising for the new church will start in January, the third anniversary of the fire.
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