General Info:
Coppin Memorial A.M.E. Church is a part of the group of churches of the Chicago Annual Conference, comprised of approximately 90 churches located in northern Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota. Also, the Chicago Annual Conference is a part of the Fourth Episcopal District, which includes Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Michigan, Iowa and eastern Canada.Coppin Memorial A.M.E. Church was organized March 19, 1919 in the Transfer Hall at 47th & State Streets, under the leadership of Rev. and Mrs. J.D. Coston. Its first church home was purchased in 1922 at 4318 S. Wabash Avenue. Under the dynamic leadership and evangelistic preaching of Rev. Coston, the new church grew from a mission to a membership of over 900. Rev. Coston became a Presiding Elder of the West Chicago District. In 1928, Coppin's new home at 5633 S. Michigan Avenue was bought during the administration of Rev. Eugene Thompson. During the pastorate of Rev. J.L. Roberts (1937-1952 ), the Church edifice was completely remodeled and enlarged. The Community House was purchased and Coppin became one of the leading churches of the denomination. Rev. Roberts became a Presiding Elder.From 1952-1956, Coppin was pastored by Rev. Russell S. Brown. Under his leadership, the balance of the church indebtedness was paid in full, new office rooms were added and $5000 was raised to begin the Youth Center Building fund. Rev. Russell Brown became the General Secretary of the A.M.E. Church. Rev. S.S. Morris, Jr. was appointed Pastor of Coppin in December 1956. He brought the dream of the Coppin Youth Center into a reality. On May 29, 1966, ground was broken for the new $350, 000 Youth Center. The new building, organ, piano, windows and carpeting were purchased and placed in the church. The membership of Coppin grew to 2, 000. The building was dedicated on October 29, 1967. Today, the Youth Center is named in honor of Bishop S.S. Morris. Rev. Morris was Pastor of Coppin for sixteen years. In June 1972, he was elected as Bishop of the A.M.E. Church in Dallas, TX.Rev. J. Haskell Mayo was appointed Pastor of Coppin in September 1972. He came to Coppin highly recommended as a successful and progressive member of the Connection. Because of Dr. Mayo's "know-how" in building and financial negotiations, more than $1, 000, 000 was raised during his first year as Pastor. The remaining mortgage of $91, 000 on the Youth Center and parsonage was paid in full. Other achievements included a viable Day Care Center (under the auspices of Model Cities established in the Youth Center ), and a weekly radio broadcast with sponsorship by Brookins Funeral Home. The church records reflect a dramatic breakthrough, with respect to programs and finance, and the organization of the University of Life Learning Experience for enrichment in the development of our church life. Rev. Mayo served Coppin for eight years before he was elected as Bishop of the A.M.E. Church in New Orleans, LA in 1980.Rev. Dr. Charles S. Spivey, Jr. came to Coppin Church in October 1980. A vigorous program of revival and renewal was instituted Coppin Church. Under Rev. Spivey's leadership, the Black Heritage Teas were launched and these events were extremely successful for the Church. The second mortgage on the Church was retired. The Church was thoroughly cleaned and redecorated. The high school program was re-established, a new day care center was opened, memorial rooms were established on the floor of the Youth Center, two new roofs were placed on the Church buildings, an alarm system was installed and lots for parking were acquired. The Coppin Memorial A.M.E. Church Tree of Life, Inc was established to assure the ongoing mission of the Church. Rev. Spivey sponsored many civic and educational programs. He worked closely with the programs at Carter Elementary School. Each club at Coppin was responsible for the needs of at least one underprivileged child at Carter School. Rev. Charles S. Spivey,