Quinn Chapel

A black and white photograph of Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church with black text above and below the photograph, on a white background. 

Quinn Chapel is Chicago's oldest African American congregation. The organization had its humble beginnings in 1844 where seven individuals would meet regularly at the home of John Day. The group gained more members over time and relocated to the home of Maria Parker, one of the original founders. In 1847, they moved to an old school house and asked the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church to accept them as a congregation. The Church agreed and they were officially recognized. The congregation elected the name Quinn Chapel in honor of Bishop William Paul Quinn, and AME missionary who organized many churches in the Midwest.

Quinn Chapel played a major role in abolition and served as a station for the Underground Railroad. Major notable figures such as Rev. Martin Luther King Sr, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr; Presidents William Mc Kinley, William Howard Taft, and Barak Obama; and Booker T. Washington all have addressed the congregation. The church has hosted many social and political events in recent years. Please see the link below for more information on Quinn Chapel.