FBCC . . . . A Designated Illinois Historic Landmark

After a team of members journeyed to Springfield, IL., on March 17, 2006.  The presence of the Lord was truly in the Old State Capitol as the team met with the  Illinois Historic Preservation Council.

The team led by Project Manager, Sis. Anna L. Willis  included Assistant Project Manager, Sis. Wanda J. Washington, Senior Pastor, Rev. George Daniels, Member Representative, Bro. Art Griffin and van driver, Rev. Cliff Williams. The meeting was a result of over a year long research project and application submission to seek National Landmark status.

The application had to gain city approval before it could be submitted to the state. The first hurdle was overcome on March 2nd, when Sis(s) Willis  and Washington along with Rev. Daniels met with the City of Chicago landmark Council.  After receiving this approval on the city level, they moved on to the state.

Team members state that “on the morning of March 17th while seated at the Capitol, there was opportunity to observe several other presentations before our time.  We were able to witness the intensity of the questions, the approval and disapproval of  some council members on some of the properties presented and the discussions that ensued therein. It was our prayer that the Lord would be with us...and with us He was indeed! “

“The room was stilled during the FBCC presentation, as Rev. Daniels provided background information on our church building and then invited the Council and members of the audience to join us on a virtual tour. The virtual tour highlighted the Gothic Revival Style architecture and spoke of other points of interest in our church.  At the tour’s climax, council members were momentarily silenced , but then began to comment on the beauty of the sanctuary and the excellence of the virtual piece. The questions were asked, inquiries made about certain historical aspects, which included the “great organ”.

The real jubilation came when the recommendation to designate the First Baptist Congregational Church as a Illinois Historic Landmark with approval to forward for National Landmark Status was UNANOUSMOUSLY  APPROVED. Praise the Lord!  The team will travel to our nation’s Capital later this year. Keep Praying!