Landmark Mission, Vision, and Values
Matthew 28:19-20 & Ephesians 2:10
Landmark History
The beginning took place on the third Sunday in January 1946 when a meeting was held at the home of Deacon Sample Lawler located at 2934 W Fulton St. Chicago, Illinois. Soon after, at the home of Sister Ella McCarthy, a very small group of believers gathered to hold prayer service. Those present were Deacon and Sister Lawler, Deacon and Sister Willie Johnson, Brother and Sister Will Elliott, Brother and Sister Dave McCarthy.
On May 13, 1946, Landmark M B Church was organized under the leadership of Reverend Grant Tilford, with approximately 25 members, 4 deacons and 3 trustees. The Church continued to grow and later moved to a new location at 2300 W. Lake Street, in Chicago.
In 1947, the Church purchased its first building at 1751 W. Lake St., in Chicago. The Church structure consisted of Deacon Sample Lawler as Chairman of the Deacons: an organized Missionary Society: Sunday School and the Willing Worker Club. In 1952, Reverend Tilford resigned as pastor. In February 1953, after serving as acting Pastor, Rev. Joseph Sylvester was ordained and called to pastor.
In 1953, Landmark purchased the lot on the corner of Wilcox & Washtenaw for the site of a new Church home. On November 28, 1954, Rev Sylvester and 35 members marched into the new edifice, becoming the second Baptist Church to be built on the Westside of Chicago. Our current sanctuary and three-story educational building was completed in 1975 at the cost of $400, 00. By 1979 the Church was paid in full.
Landmark continued to flourish greatly under the leadership of Rev. Sylvester. Many clubs, auxiliaries, ministries and programs were formed to support and advance the Church. The church purchased a passenger bus, elevator, real estate property and other enhancements. In November 1993, California Ave from Lake St. to Ogden Ave. was renamed “Reverend Dr. Joseph Sylvester Street” in honor of his many contributions to the community. In March 2004, his wife Ella G. Sylvester passed away and on May 15, 2001, after 48 years of being a pastor at Landmark, Rev. Sylvester departed unto glory leaving behind a rich legacy.
In July 2000, Minister Cy M. Fields, an associate Minister, became Interim Pastor. On June 17, 2001, he was unanimously elected as pastor of Landmark. Min. Fields was installed by Reverend Wilson Daniels of United Baptist Church on July 29, 2001. Some of the actions occurring under Min. Fields leadership include:
Mid-week Bible Study, ordained new Deacons, Voices of New Landmark Choir, Praise Dancers, Praise Team, New Members’ Orientation, New Church Bylaws, Revised finance procedures, Women’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Men’s Ministry, Mighty Men of Valor Male Chorus, Security Ministry, Drama Ministry, Audio Ministry, Media & Technology Ministry, Senior Ministry, Prayer Ministry, Male Mentoring, New Ministerial staff, sanctuary beautification including new lights, re-upholstered pews carpeting, new sound system, naming the multipurpose room to the Rev, Dr. Joseph Sylvester Fellowship Hall, created a Gobbles & Gospel Thanksgiving Food giveaway Campaign, Purchase of a 28 passenger bus, New church van, launched a Social Justice Ministry, Sanctuary monitors, new Sanctuary banners, new security system, launched online giving, launched an After School Program, implemented a Youth Anti-violence Program, launched a Youth Church, Adopted CPS Cather Elementary School, launched Landmark Community Development Corporation, entered into a partnership with RUSH Hospital to improve congregation and community health, Community Prayer Projects with CPD 11th District, partnering with local organizations to provide violence prevention Light in the Night events, partnering with local shelters for food and clothing support, and launched Psalm 91 COVID-19 Outreach Team.
Landmark Belief
We believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven, earth, and the universe. We believe in Jesus Christ who is God’s only Son. He is our Savior, Lord, and King. This Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. We believe Jesus lived a sinless life and was crucified, died, and was buried in a borrowed tomb. But on the third day He rose from the dead with all power in His hand. He appeared to many and ascended into heaven. Right now Jesus sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He intercedes on our behalf and shall come to judge the quick and the dead. We believe the Holy Bible is God’s Word to mankind and the Holy Spirit lives inside the believer. We believe in the necessity of the local and universal church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the call to serve, the resurrection of the body, and the life eternal with God.