Private Guided Tour of the Historic Quinn Chapel AME Church in South Loop

Discover the rich history of Quinn Chapel AME Church in the South Loop through an exclusive private tour led by a knowledgeable guide. Immerse yourself in the captivating stories and insights that bring this beautiful landmark to life. Join us for a unique journey through faith and community!

Quinn Chapel AME Church, also known as Quinn Chapel of the A.M.E. Church, is home to Chicago's first African American congregation. This congregation was formed in 1844 by seven individuals who began meeting as a nondenominational prayer group in the home of a member. In 1847, the group became an official congregation of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the first independent Black denomination in the United States. The church was named in honor of Bishop William Paul Quinn. The current structure, designed by architect Henry F. Starbuck, was built in 1892. In the years leading up to the Civil War, the church played a significant role in the city's abolitionist movement, serving as a stop on the Underground Railroad for those escaping slavery from the Southern United States.

We will have a private docent-led tour through the church. Before the tour, we are allowed to walk around and take pictures. Since we are getting a private guided tour, there is a $10 fee per person. I will collect $10 from everyone and give it to the Quinn Chapel AME Church in appreciation of the tour. Please bring CASH for the donation! If necessary, I can accept Zelle, Venmo & PayPal so I can give one big group donation after the tour. All need to check in with me at the start of the tour & pay me directly~

If you would like to pay in cash on the day of the tour instead of buying a ticket online, please contact me directly at [email protected] or send a text to 312.835.4259. I will ensure that you can make the payment in person at the beginning of the tour.

The tour promises to be an enlightening event on a Saturday morning. It is an event that brings multiple meetup groups together! Although it's not exclusively a photo tour, there will be ample chances to snap pictures!

After the tour, some of us will get lunch at one of the many nearby places:
Apolonia 105 E Cermak Rd, http://www.apoloniachicago.com/
Fatpour Tapworks 2206 S Indiana Ave, https://fatpourtapworks.com/mccormick
Il Culaccino 2134 S Indiana Ave. https://ilculaccino.com/

All are welcome to join! BRING CASH IF JOINING FOR LUNCH, AS SOME VENUES don't accept separate checks!

Quinn Chapel originated in 1844 when seven individuals began meeting in the home of John Day, located between Randolph and Lake Streets near State Street. As the group grew, they relocated to Maria Parker's home and, in 1846, to an old schoolhouse at State and Madison Streets. They petitioned the African Methodist Episcopal Church for recognition as a congregation, which was granted on July 22, 1847. They named the chapel in honor of Bishop William Paul Quinn, who organized many A.M.E. churches.

Since 1891, Quinn Chapel has stood at the corner of Wabash Avenue and Twenty-fourth Street, contributing to the area's cultural heritage and Gothic architecture, designed by Henry F. Starbuck (exterior) and Charles H. McAfee (interior). In 1979, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The chapel played a vital role in the abolition movement and served as a station on the Underground Railroad. It also helped establish Bethel A.M.E. Church, Chicago Provident Hospital, and Elam House. Notable figures, including Presidents McKinley and Taft, educators like George Washington Carver and Booker T. Washington, and influential preachers have spoken from its pulpit. Recent speakers include Governor Rod Blagojevich, Mayor Richard M. Daley, and Senator Barack Obama. Quinn Chapel has hosted various events, such as the premier performance of Wynton Marsalis’ “Mass” and featured in films like “There Are No Children Here” and “Losing Isaiah.” Today, its members continue to carry out the Lord’s work, honoring their rich history.

Quinn Chapel has stood at the corner of Wabash Avenue and Twenty-fourth Street since 1891, and has contributed significantly to the cultural heritage and visual Gothic style of architecture prominent in the 1800’s in buildings designed by Henry F. Starbuck (exterior) and Charles H. McAfee (interior). The Joint Commission on Landmarks designated Quinn Chapel to its National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Quinn Chapel is rich in history. Prior to the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation, Quinn played an important part in the abolition movement in Chicago and served as a station for the Underground Railroad. Quinn was also instrumental in founding Bethel A.M.E. Church, Chicago Provident Hospital, and Elam House. Presidents William B. McKinley and William Howard Taft, educators George Washington Carver and Booker T. Washington, poet and literary genius Paul Lawrence Dunbar and three of the most gifted preachers of this century: Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr., Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. are among the many nationally renowned individuals to address the congregation from Quinn’s pulpit. In recent years, Governor Rod Blagojevich, Mayor Richard M. Daley, Congressmen Danny K. Davis, Bobby Rush, Jesse Jackson, Jr., Governor Pat Quinn and Senator Barack Obama have stood in Quinn Chapel’s pulpit. Milton Olive III, posthumous recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor and for whom Olive-Harvey College is named, was a member and a regular attendee of services at Quinn Chapel.

In recent times, the church has played host to various community, political, and social events. Quinn Chapel hosted the premier performance of Wynton Marsalis’ “Mass,” and presented WTTW’s Patti LaBelle’s “Going Home to Gospel.” Quinn was also the location for two scenes from the movie “There Are No Children Here,” an Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Production, and was highlighted in a scene in the Paramount Pictures movie “Losing Isaiah”, starring Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry.

While proud of Quinn’s heritage, the members of Quinn Chapel prayerfully continue to do the Lord’s work, to praise His name, and honor the past.

If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/ easily accessible by bus and train

If you are driving, there is free parking on Wabash, & 24th Street. Metered parking on South Michigan Ave. There are a few nearby parking lots. This area is normally easy to park during the day

PLEASE KEEP RSVP UP TO DATE AND DO NOT BE A NO SHOW!

How to find us: *TICKETED EVENT* Meet inside the front vestibule of the church. We will wait for our docent for the tour. Tour starts promptly at 10 am. Call me 312.835.4259 if lost of late

For more info about my meetup group, click on the links below:

https://www.meetup.com/1001-things-to-see-in-chicago-before-you-die/

Host or Publisher 1001 Things to See in Chicago Before You Die