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Fire damages ‘Blues Brothers’ church
The Southeast Side church made famous by its appearance in the movie “The Blues Brothers” — Pilgrim Baptist Church of South Chicago — had planned a big celebration for its 89th birthday Sunday.
The church — where James Brown sings a spirited rendition of “The Old Landmark” in the 1980 movie — had undergone major renovations over the last few years.
But last week, an electrical fire at the church so badly damaged the sanctuary that it can’t be used for at least six months. Two rooms in the church were badly damaged by smoke, flames and water. Firefighters had to break out eight new stained-glass windows to fight the fire. The pulpit and pews were taken away for repair from smoke and water damage.
“All the work we had done is gone,” said pastor Hilliard Hudson. The church has spent about $165,000 on the renovations, raised solely from member donations.
This Sunday’s service will be held at a nearby Baptist church — and the congregation will spend more time figuring out what to do next rather than eating birthday cake.
“It was going to be a great, festive celebration,” Hudson said, noting that last Sunday’s service featured many tears over the damage to their home, but jubilation that no one was hurt and that the church escaped major structural damage on the outside.
Total damage unknown
Two people were in the church preparing for a Bible study when they heard a crackling noise Sept. 13. Someone outside saw smoke and called the Fire Department.
On Friday, crews began ripping out the recently replaced carpet. They took down some large curtains at the front of the church. Brightly colored broken glass was still on the ground, as was a soot-covered Bible, ceiling tiles, plaster and other debris. An old Hammond organ — a model that’s no longer made — was taken away; church leaders don’t know if it can be repaired.
Church leaders can’t say the total amount of damage yet. Although the church is insured, board of trustees Chairman Maurice Carpenter worries they don’t have enough to cover everything. And parts of the church that need repair might also have to be brought up to city code, costing even more.
No tie to other Pilgrim Baptist
In the movie, it was referred to as the “Triple Rock Church.” Filmmakers took exterior shots and then re-created the interior on a set in Hollywood.
Church leaders said the building is more than 100 years old. Pilgrim Baptist has made its home there since the mid-1940s, although it has been in existence since 1917 at other locations. About 250 people attend services each Sunday, Hudson said. Services will be held indefinitely at Praise Tabernacle Baptist Church, 9511 S. Commercial, although they will start at 9 a.m. and end by 10:30 a.m. so the other congregation can meet.
Although it shares the same name, the church at 3235 E. 91st is not affiliated with the Pilgrim Baptist Church at 3301 S. Indiana where gospel music was born. That church was destroyed in a fire in early January.
“In less than a year, two landmarks, two Pilgrim Baptists, both founded in 1917, in the same city, caught fire. How ironic is that?” Hudson said. At the time of the first fire, he recalled, “People were calling us, asking us where do they send money.”
Then, the church sent them to the other congregation. But now, they need the help.
Donations can be made to the Pilgrim Baptist Church of South Chicago Fire Relief Fund, c/o Charter One Bank, 9200 S. Commercial, Chicago 60617. Or call (773) 374-3888.
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