You’ve probably seen it if you’ve ever spent time on Chicago’s West Side—that massive, stunning French Romanesque structure sitting on the corner of Washington Boulevard. It looks like a cathedral from another era, and honestly, it is. But New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church isn’t some dusty museum piece or a relic of the past. It’s a living, breathing powerhouse of social justice, Black history, and community survival.
Most people see the stone walls and assume they know the story. They don't.
The Stained Glass That Actually Tells the Truth
If you walk into the sanctuary, the first thing that hits you isn't the smell of old wood or the quiet. It’s the light. But it’s not the typical light you find in most American churches. Back in the early 90s, when the congregation bought the building from the Catholic Archdiocese, the windows were buckling. The church leaders, led by Pastor Marshall Hatch, had a choice. They could fix the existing windows—which depicted a very fair-skinned, European version of biblical figures—or they could do something radical.
They chose radical.
They installed what is now a world-famous trilogy of stained glass. The MAAFA Remembrance Window is basically the heart of the sanctuary. It’s 25 feet of glass depicting an African Christ whose torso literally contains the "Brookes" slave ship diagram. It is haunting. It’s actually recognized by art historians like Cheryl Finley as the largest iconic display of the Middle Passage in the world.
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It’s not just "church art."
It’s a theological statement that says God was there in the belly of those ships. Then you’ve got the North Star Window, which honors the Great Migration, and the Sankofa Peace Window, which features the four little girls killed in the 1963 Birmingham bombing alongside young people lost to Chicago’s own streets. It’s heavy, but it’s meant to be.
Breaking the Cycle in West Garfield Park
Living in West Garfield Park isn't always easy. The neighborhood has been hit hard by disinvestment for decades. But New Mount Pilgrim doesn't just preach about it; they’re kind of the primary developers of the area now.
Have you heard of the MAAFA Redemption Project?
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It’s their flagship program for young men of color. It’s a residential institute that doesn’t just "help" them; it invests in them. They provide housing, workforce training, and spiritual development. These young men are actually the ones helping rehab buildings in the neighborhood. They’re literally rebuilding their own community with their own hands.
The church also spearheaded the Sankofa Village Wellness Center.
This wasn’t just a small project. They won the $10 million Chicago Prize in 2022 to make it happen. We’re talking about a $45 million facility that houses health providers like Erie Health, a credit union, and space for the arts. It’s about "Restoring the Spirit of the Village," which is basically the church's whole vibe.
A Legacy of Migration and Identity
The church itself was organized in 1950 by people who moved up from the South during the Great Migration. You can feel that history in the service. The choir is legendary—sometimes the instruments get a little loud, but the energy is undeniable. It feels like a family reunion every Sunday.
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Pastor Marshall Hatch has been the captain of the ship since 1993. He’s a West Side native, a Harvard Fellow, and a guy who isn't afraid to get political if it means protecting his flock. Under his leadership, the church has become a hub for the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and a loud voice in the Progressive National Baptist Convention.
They’ve got about 1,200 members on the rolls, but the impact is way bigger than that number.
What You Should Know Before You Visit
If you’re planning to check out a service or just see the windows, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Service Times: They usually have two services on Sunday mornings. Since the pandemic, they’ve gotten really good at streaming, so you can catch them on YouTube if you’re not in Chicago.
- The Vibe: It’s "Missionary Baptist," so expect some tradition, but with a heavy focus on social action. It’s not a "sit back and relax" kind of place.
- Location: 4301 W Washington Blvd. It’s a landmark for a reason.
- Community Work: If you’re looking to volunteer, check out Sarah’s Kitchen or Rosetta’s Closet. They handle food insecurity and clothing needs for the neighborhood.
New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church isn't just about what happens on Sunday. It’s about what happens on Monday through Saturday in the streets of West Garfield Park. It’s a place that refuses to ignore the "Great Tragedy" of the past while building a "Wellness Village" for the future.
How to Support the Mission
If you want to do more than just read about it, you can actually get involved. The MAAFA Redemption Project is always looking for partners, and the Sankofa Village Wellness Center is a massive undertaking that benefits the entire West Side. You can donate directly through their website via Givelify or PayPal to support their community outreach like the soup parlor or the Village Gospel Block Party.
Visit the church during a public event or a Sunday service to see the windows in person. Photos don't do them justice. The scale of the MAAFA window alone is enough to change your perspective on what a church building can actually say to its people. Stay updated on their latest community developments through the Garfield Park Rite to Wellness Collaborative to see how faith-based social impact is actually changing the map of Chicago.