Saint Paul Church of God in Christ

Front view of Saint Paul Church of God in Christ building with beige brick exterior, large stained glass windows, and a sign displaying the church name and pastor's quote, located at 4526.
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Church History

An elderly man with gray hair and glasses wearing a black suit, white shirt, and a black-and-white striped tie, sitting in front of a wooden background.

 Bishop Louis Henry Ford established St. Paul Church of God in Christ in 1934 in the South Side of Chicago, with formal organization occurring in 1936. He served as Pastor and spiritual leader for nearly 61 years. Over its first eight decades, particularly in the late 1930s, St. Paul became actively involved in ecumenical and civic affairs, providing food, clothing, shelter, and other forms of relief for disaster victims. In the 1940s, the church gained recognition for its commitment to securing employment and advocating for human and civil rights for African Americans. Bishop Ford’s leadership brought the church national acclaim, and in 1955, he delivered the historic eulogy for Emmett Till, a defining moment in the civil rights era. He faithfully served until 1995, concluding his distinguished tenure as Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ.

A man dressed as a priest, wearing a purple stole and a cross necklace, smiling at the camera.

Following his father’s passing, Bishop Charles Mason Ford expanded the church’s mission through community service, housing, and workforce initiatives. In 1995, he founded St. Paul Community Development Ministries (SPCDM), and in 2000, he launched Project P.R.I.D.E. (Positive Results in Daily Efforts), which later became formally integrated under SPCDM. Observing that many applicants lacked the skills, knowledge, or experience to secure union cards for construction trades employment, Bishop Ford SPCDM expanded the program and developed a pre-apprenticeship career-readiness program: a twelve-week curriculum designed to prepare participants for entry into the U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Programs.

Under Bishop Charles Ford, initiatives such as in-home care for infants and after-school programs for elementary to high school students have complemented the quarter-century-old Chaney Ford Child Care Center, providing essential support for families and the community. He also spearheaded affordable housing projects, including Margaret Ford Manor for seniors and the Victoria Jennings Residences for individuals with disabilities.

In 2000, Bishop Charles Mason Ford appointed his son, Elder Kevin Anthony Ford, to establish and lead the workforce arm of the ministry, enhancing employment opportunities for the disenfranchised, a mission he has successfully fulfilled. St. Paul Church of God in Christ Community Development Ministries, Inc. (SPCDM), a Non-Profit community-based organization, operates a Pre-Apprenticeship training program  preparing  individuals for a career entry into the U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Programs.  SPCDM is recognized for its 25-year- history throughout Illinois for their innovative training model and successful placement outcomes.

Under Pastor Ford’s guidance, the ministry continues to thrive, placing hundreds of community residents  into meaningful careers while envisioning expanded services for veterans and families.

Today, St. Paul Church of God in Christ remains a multigenerational beacon of faith, compassion, and transformation, committed to uplifting communities and building futures.