Atlanta Daily World

In And Around Chicago
(For Associated Negro Press)
FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS JOURNEY TO THIS BLOCK

CHICAGO--If the number of churches is any key to the righteousness of a given area, then pin a medal to the breast of State Street, particularly in the 4500 block right in the heart of Chicago's Congo. They may not be large, but they are numerous, for this block with seven store front temples, is far out in front of any rival Southside section.

They are everywhere, the store front churches, gabbing their invitation to the passerby mainly in crudely painted words, and they play an amazing part in the religious life of the community. Four Churches of the Baptist faith are in this 4500 block together with one A. M. E. Zion, one Spiritualist, and one plain every day Gospel Mission. The big race for numerous temples of this sort is between the Baptists and the Spiritualists with the Methodist of all kinds bringing up a poor third.

These small institutions flourish for many reasons. There is the desire for individual expression often curbed in larger congregations. Factions in an Established church may split, or assistant pastors and deacons who were forced to bask in the reflected glory of better-known ministers might seek power for themselves. There is, also, the downright racketeer, who knows enough psychology to victimize trusting seekers after righteousness. But the big point is, they flourish and members of the store front churches play a commanding part in the religious life of the entire community.

Call it, if you wish, from sinner to saint, but at any rate the second story Apex Club on 35th street, back in 1927 the swankiest of night places with Nora Holt Ray as hostess, Jimmie Noone's orchestra dishing the tunes and managed by Julian Black, head man of the Joe Louis menage, is today and has been for some time the Zion Hill Baptist church.