26-03-2025
Chicago church seeks help replacing ‘collapsing, deteriorating' roof
CHICAGO (WGN) — An Austin neighborhood church that's fed the homeless and seniors, offered disaster relief assistance, and that has paid the rent of struggling Chicagoans is now hoping the community will come through as it faces a critical infrastructure challenge.
The aging roof at New Inspirational Baptist Church, on the 5800 block of West Division Street, has exceeded its lifespan and is beyond temporary repairs, the church says.
'I never thought that I would become in the need,' Rev. Andrew Griffin, the church's founding and sole pastor of more than 40 years, told WGN on Wednesday.
Griffin said contractors have done all they can with patchwork fixes on the structure, but it's 'getting worse, collapsing, deteriorating our fire walls,' he said.
A contractor working with the church confirmed to WGN the total cost to replace the roof would be at least $55,000.
'I want to be there, I want to be able to open our doors, especially for the needy,' Griffin said.
The church for decades has offered spiritual guidance, financial assistance and emotional counseling to those in need. It has also served as a longtime polling location.
Area pastors are rallying around the church in hopes of helping raise the money it needs to continue its mission.
'Pastor Griffin has been a rock for this community, helping people in ways that go far beyond the pulpit,' said Rev. Johnny L. Miller of Mount Vernon Baptist Church.
Rev. Ira Acree, the founder of the Leaders Network and a social justice advocate said Griffin has helped 'thousands' of people.
'It's ministers like Reverand Andrew Griffin that many people don't see their names in the headlines or on television or the newspaper, but it's ministers like this that are saving our community,' Acree said. 'He doesn't have a mega church, but he has made a mega impact. This man has helped hundreds, maybe thousands.'
After a 2023 tornado left behind a trail of destruction in Mississippi, church leaders along with the community rallied to respond, hauling several trucks packed with supplies to help survivors with food, water and other necessities. Griffin, his wife, and other members of the church went down to Rolling Fork to help hand deliver the supplies.
'It's not always about preaching the gospel with words, but living it with your walk, like he's lived it out in the Austin community for 40 to 45 years easily,' Acree said.
The church at the corner of West Division Street and North Monitor Avenue has been a space for youth to find mentorship and guidance over the years, area pastors said.
'He put a lot of interest in the young people in this neighborhood, gave a lot of young people jobs, trained a lot of young people, gave them feeding for a new life,' said Rev. Freddie Brooks with Union Star Missionary Baptist Church.
Even with a slower stride after a spinal surgery, Griffin said he's putting one foot in front of the other as they navigate what comes next.
'My faith is in God, and I believe that god has already provided a way,' he said.
Donations to help the church continue its mission can be made in-person during the church's operating hours or via checks made payable to New Inspirational Baptist Church at 5825 W. Division Street in Chicago, 60651. An online fundraiser has also been established.
The church said its membership has declined since the pandemic, leaving them unable to raise the funds among the congregation.
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