Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church Celebrates 178th Anniversary
On October 26th, 2024, Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church in Peoria, Illinois held its 178th anniversary celebration. Ward Chapel A.M.E. is the oldest church in Peoria. Many notable leaders and dignitaries have visited the church over the years, including Fredrick Douglas and Booker T. Washington.
Ward Chapel’s History of BPP Free Breakfast For Children Program Started by Mark Clark
Peoria Defense Captain Mark Clark started a Black Panther Party Free Breakfast for Children Program at the historic Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church in 1969. Ward Chapel was the only church in the area that supported the Black Panther Party Free Breakfast for Children Program.
Clark Virtual Museum Board Members Honored To Present Historical Marker
Clark Virtual Museum LLC board members, Dr. Patricia (Clark) Brown and Rose (Clark) Morris (both sisters of Mark Clark) traveled to Ward Chapel A.M.E. to attend the anniversary celebration and present historical marker on behalf of the Historical Preservation Society of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party.
Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church Recognized As Significant Site on BPP Heritage Trail in Illinois
Dr. Cyrus Burns, Pastor of Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church and Rev. Dr. Elaine Gordon, former Pastor and board chair of Ward Chapel Development Corp. graciously received the historical marker recognizing the church as a significant site of the BPP Heritage Trail in Illinois.
2025 Dedication Ceremony Planned
On June 28th, 2025, Mark Clark's birthday, Ward Chapel A.M.E. plans to have a historical marker dedication ceremony as part of the Heritage Trail community program.
The Ward Chapel Development Corporation is also planning in talks to develop the Mark Clark Memorial Park on church grounds