About Liberty:
Liberty Baptist Church of Chicago got its start when, in 1917, two women formed a religious social club in a South Side home. Two years later in 1919, Liberty Baptist Church was founded in small storefront church in Bronzeville; a neighborhood known then as the ‘Black Metropolis.’ Today, more than 100 years later, Liberty is a thriving baptist church still located in Chicago’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood.
Mission: To liberate and transform lives through God’s word
Vision: Loving God, Transforming Souls, Changing the World
Our Journey: The History of Liberty Baptist Church of Chicago
IN THE BEGINNING
On September 26, 1917, two women, Mrs. Bertie Boone and Mrs. Maggie Walker, began a journey in the home of Mrs. Bertie Boone at 3732 South Federal Street. They decided to form what they thought was to be a social club called the Olive Leaf Club. However, God, in his infinite wisdom, brought them to the realization that his people needed a church. So, the Rev. D.W. Bowen was called as its first Pastor. In 1919 the Church School, BYPU, Missionary Society, Deacon Board, Senior Choir, and the Literacy and Dramatic Club were organized. Their journey, although humble from the start, grew with meager funds from various members to their first major location at 3902 South Dearborn. The early years, although unsettling, saw those spiritual vanguards toil to keep what God had ordained with various moves and ministers.
Standing on faith, the Liberty congregation, which, by this time, had merged with two other churches, moved to 56 East 46th Street with its fourth pastor, Rev. D. Z. Jackson. Under the pastorate of this man of God, Liberty blossomed into an assembly of 2,000 congregants and the need for a more spacious edifice was obvious.
A NEW LIBERTY
As Liberty's shepherd, Pastor D. Z. Jackson’s vision for a new church became clear, and his well-thought-out plan began. The land was identified, and a ten-year building plan was initiated and executed. During the groundbreaking ceremony for the "New Liberty," which was hosted on July 9, 1950, Rev. D. Z. Jackson witnessed the beginning of his dream. However, in November of the same year, he was called home by God. Although, Rev. D. Z. Jackson did not realize the fruition of his dream, his son, Rev. A. P. Jackson was elected in 1951 to be the new Pastor of Liberty Baptist Church. He continued his father's dream and brought the dream to reality at our present site, at 49th and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. on Thanksgiving Day, 1956.
During his forty-three years of leadership, Rev. A. P. Jackson carried out various and numerous programs, activities, and projects, as well as established new organizations. During this time Liberty purchased space for parking lots, constructed and opened Liberty Commons Senior Community Home, ordained many ministers and deacons, and installed the first female trustees. As Pastor, he brought many prominent speakers to the church including, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Bishop Tutu amongst the most notable, and held a rally for the first African-American Mayor of Chicago, The Honorable Harold Washington. After years of dedication to God and to Liberty Baptist Church, Pastor Abraham Patterson Jackson made his transition on July 3, 1994.
The installation of Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Darrell Lamar Jackson took place on November 11, 1994. He was the third generation to pastor Liberty Baptist Church of Chicago. He continued the legacy of his grandfather and father with new programs and ordained deacons and trustees. During pastorate, Rev. D. L. Jackson has instituted the Male Chorus, Couples and Singles Ministries, the Praise Dancers, and many more ministries. Liberty Baptist Church of Chicago along with The Interfaith Housing Development Corporation formed a not-for-profit corporation to assist those impacted with HIV/AIDS; In 1997 Vision House was opened. Vision House provides housing for HIV/AIDS singles and families. In addition to having new and innovative programs implemented in the church, history was made when Pastor D. L Jackson ordained Liberty's first two female ministers. With the torch being passed to Pastor D. L. Jackson, he brought innovation and creativity to manifest and inspire the spiritual growth of his flock. With a "Spirit of Togetherness", as he says, Liberty continues to progress, extend a helping hand, and work for the Almighty, who is its Light and Salvation.
