Taking the Independence Blvd. exit off the Eisenhower Expressway leads me me south down a well-paved, tree-lined stretch of road that connects two of the largest parks on the city’s west side - Douglas Park and Garfield Park.

One right turn changes the scenery to the alternating vacant lots and strip malls along this stretch of Roosevelt Road. I pull up to the large structure which occupies an entire city block. The far side of this building is bordered by a mix of new and old two and three story brick flats on a quiet side street. Across the street, an industrial-sized lot lies vacant. My destination is easily the nicest building in this area.

A group of three older women in long dresses joked with each other at the front door. The lobby had the feel of a banquet hall, and lead directly to the auditorium.

As I found a seat on one of the padded benches a few rows from the back, and looked around, it was clear that the designers of this placed had been inspired by the phrase God’s House.

From the vaulted ceilings of the A-frame structure, to the beautifully crafted stained glass windows where the people in the depicted scenes had a soft brown color used for their skin. On the wall high above the front stage, and the 25-person black-and-white robed choir, rested the words: Serving God through Serving Humanity.

The journey continues in the Lawndale neighborhood on the west side, at the corner of Roosevelt Rd and Tripp.

Intro Theme Music: Victory Lap by QSTN ft. Mecca:83
Background Music: www.bensound.com/

Pick up your copy of the companion book at https://godinchicago.com/

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