Our History
Third Baptist Church of Chicago
“Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV
What a Might God We Serve!
Rev. Elmer L Fowler decided to organize a church
In 1952, on the banks of the Nile River in Jerusalem, God gave Rev. Elmer L. Fowler a vision of what he later learned was the Holy Rood, which became the emblem for the church God called him to organize.
Third Baptist is organized and charter members are appointed
On March 8, 1963, Rev. Elmer L. Fowler, along with eight other individuals, organized Third Baptist Church of Chicago in Lelia Kenerson’s kitchen.
The first worship service
One month later, April 14, 1963, the first church service was held at John Foster Dulles School, located at 63rd and King Drive in Chicago, Illinois.
Third Baptist finds a new home
In August that same year, service was moved to the Chicago Baptist Institute. In November 1964, Rev. Fowler received the keys to our first church building located at 938 W. 69th Street in Chicago, Illinois. We were a small and loving church.
Reverend Fowler's work
Rev. Fowler was a civil rights advocate who fought for the rights of many. He believed in exposing the congregation to those who demonstrated Black excellence. Many of us still remember meeting people such as Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, who was known for his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement and in education; he was the president of Morehouse College at the time. We met songwriter Thomas A. Dorsey, gospel artist Sally Martin, comedian and civil rights activist Dick Gregory, legendary singer Natalie Cole, and the queen of gospel Aretha Franklin. He would take us to Orchestra Hall with dignitaries and include the choirs on the program. We anticipated our annual fashion show and dinner at the Conrad Hilton Ballroom in downtown Chicago, where we all marveled over the “big chandeliers.”
Reverend Fowler retires
In 1992, Rev. Fowler made the decision to retire, but not before he found someone who would lead Third Baptist to the next Level. Rev. Fowler went home to be with the Lord and received his great reward in 2003.
Reverend Dr. Alan Vincent Ragland becomes second pastor
After serving for 26 years, Pastor Ragland retired in November 2018. He stepped into retirement with the same humility that he served with, preaching his final sermon titled, “The Decrease That Increases.”
Pastor Ragland retires
After serving for 26 years, Pastor Ragland retired in November 2018. He stepped into retirement with the same humility that he served with, preaching his final sermon titled, “The Decrease That Increases.”
The torch is passed to Reverend Tyone D. Hughes
In November 2018, the torch was passed to Rev. Tyone D. Hughes. He was officially installed as the third senior pastor of Third Baptist in March 2019. After serving our congregation as the youth and young adult pastor, he passed the torch to Min. Pierre Keys, our new youth and young adult pastor. After successfully passing the torch, Pastor T.D. Hughes, his wife Tonisha, and their daughters Mia Madison and Kai Brooklyn became our first family. Pastor Hughes immediately began working to stabilize the church’s financial position. Exactly one year after he was installed, COVID-19 arrived, and the pandemic began. We found ourselves in terrains we had never explored before. But with God’s help, Pastor Hughes has met the challenge and led us fearlessly. He has encouraged us to be hopeful, prayerful, and patient during these unprecedented times. At the onset of the pandemic, he led the church in delivering weekly meals to over 400 families confined to their homes, which totaled 42,637 meals given to those who were in need. In the midst of the pandemic, he has worked to move our church forward. Under his leadership we now have our very first executive pastor, Min. Melissa Champs, and he led us down a path to spread the gospel across the world. We now have a media platform allowing our services to be livestreamed, which enables us to continue ministry in a pandemic, reaching more people than we could have ever fit into our sanctuary. He has continued to work tirelessly to improve our financial stability. He has secured private donations and our first ever six-figure grant from the City of Chicago, which assisted in making necessary improvements and renovations to the church and Heritage Plaza. In addition, we are now on the brink of securing a more affordable mortgage. Most importantly, he continues to teach and preach with power, advancing us to new heights.
Third Baptist Church of Chicago
Third Baptist was founded upon two scriptures: John 12:32 KJV, “If I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me,” and Matthew 6:33 KJV, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Our history is a blessed history — one in which God’s hand has always provided everything and everyone we have needed. I am sure many are familiar with the song, “We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder.” For 59 years we have been climbing that ladder and every round has gone higher and higher. For every tenure of pastoral leadership, we have made tremendous progress under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As we continue to do the will of God, we can look forward to many more years of reaching new heights in Christ Jesus.