More than a century of history at 1400 N. Laramie Ave. was celebrated on Saturday as members of New Genesis Assembly of God Baptist Church and community leaders gathered to unveil a plaque marking the church as a Chicago Landmark.
The City Council had officially designated the building, constructed in phases from 1924 to 1949, as a Chicago landmark almost a year ago. The designation protects the building from being altered without formal review.
The ceremony brought together Pastor C.L. Norman, church members and community leaders to celebrate the landmark designation and the generations of worship and service connected to the site. About 25 people attended.
During the ceremony, Deacon Don Thompson spoke about the history of 1400 N. Laramie Ave. and what the Chicago Landmark designation means for New Genesis Assembly of God and the Austin community.
“For generations, this place has stood for more than just bricks, stones, mortar and stained-glass windows. It has been a beacon of hope and a sanctuary for this community,” Thompson said.
The history of 1400 N. Laramie Ave. dates back more than a century to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, a German-American congregation organized in 1870 under Rev. John Bond. The congregation’s 31 founding members separated from their parent church to preserve the religious beliefs and traditions they had practiced in Germany. Trinity eventually moved to the Laramie Avenue site.
Currently, the building is home to New Genesis Assembly of God, which was established in 1995 under Pastor Rev. C.L. Norman and moved to the Laramie Avenue building in 1997. New Genesis Assembly of God held its first worship service on Aug. 13, 1995, at Leak Memorial Chapel, a funeral home at 5744 W. North Ave.
Norman founded the church in 1995 after answering a call to organize a new congregation. He has led New Genesis Assembly of God through more than three decades of ministry, including its move to the Laramie Avenue site in 1997.
“It was around 10 years ago when this vision popped into my mind about trying to become a historic landmark. That was when I really started getting serious about it, trying to accumulate what we needed so it could be something we could achieve,” Norman said.
Bishop Derrick M. Fitzpatrick, pastor of Stone Temple Missionary Baptist Church in North Lawndale, spoke during the ceremony. He congratulated New Genesis Assembly of God on receiving landmark status, noting that Stone Temple received its own landmark designation in 2016.
“A landmark plaque today is not just about the past. It’s not even just about today. But a landmark plaque propels you into what we call God’s future. I can see so much that God has in store for us. I can see that God is going to continue to bless us beyond measure,” Fitzpatrick said.
During its development, the building was transformed through multiple phases of construction into the structure seen today, as the congregation faced financial difficulties during the Great Depression and World War II. Designed by architect Moritz F. Strauch in a neo-gothic style, the building’s Lannon stone exterior, unusual bell tower with lantern and distinctive wall articulation are notable features.
Alderman Emma Mitts of the 37th Ward spoke about the city’s role in helping the church receive landmark status and what the designation means for its future.
“A Chicago landmark is not just a compliment, it is a legal protection. This building cannot be altered or torn away without review. Only a few hundred buildings in the City of Chicago have this status,” Mitts said.
Mitts said she began her morning focused on Jesus and asked God for the words to share with the congregation. She emphasized that the plaque unveiling was a celebration and that history was being made in the Austin community.
Thompson thanked God for the landmark designation and praised Pastor Norman, the congregation, Austin community and city officials for their work. He recognized Janice Smith, administrative secretary for New Genesis Assembly of God, for her efforts.
“Within these walls have been written countless prayers and shared moments of joy, comfort and enduring fellowship. This landmark designation is a testament to the visionaries who laid the foundation and to the dedicated caregivers who preserve it. By honoring our past today, we ensure that our story, our values and our architectural legacy will be protected for generations to come,” Thompson said.