Home to the first modern gospel choir in the United States and known for its distinctive form and fine acoustics, Bronzeville's Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church received a preliminary recommendation today as an official City landmark.

Located at 4501 S. Vincennes Ave., the Classical Revival-style building was built in 1899 as a synagogue by the area's then-German Jewish population. Originally known as Isaiah Temple, it was purchased by Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in 1921 to serve the area's growing African-American community. Under the direction of musical pioneer Professor Thomas A. Dorsey and others, the church’s gospel choir was significant in the emergence of a uniquely-American, 20th century musical style known as "gospel." The building is associated with the careers of noted gospel singers like Mahalia Jackson, Dinah Washington, Sallie Martin, and many others.

"In addition to its architectural and historical significance, the building played a key role in the development of purely American art form. It's a wonderful candidate for consideration," said Commission on Chicago Landmarks Chairman Rafael M. Leon.

Designed by prominent Chicago architect and acoustician Dankmar Adler, the building reflects ancient Greek and Roman architectural forms. Its masonry and limestone exterior is characterized by a pair of symmetrical facades facing Vincennes and 45th Street. Its interior is dominated by a barrel-vaulted auditorium with a horseshoe-shaped balcony.

A two-story annex located east of the building is included in the preliminary recommendation. The annex, also designed by Adler and completed in 1899, continues to provide educational and meeting space for church users.

The preliminary designation starts the formal process required for possible City landmark status. A final recommendation could be made by the Commission later this year. As an official City landmark, the building would be protected from significant alternation or demolition and be eligible for a variety of preservation incentives.

The recommended protected features include all exterior elevations of both the church and annex, along with major church interior spaces involving the auditorium, balcony, sanctuary, entrance lobby, choir loft and apse.

The Commission on Chicago Landmarks was established in 1968. In addition to recommending buildings and districts for landmark protection, the Commission is responsible for reviewing proposed work affecting designated landmarks and landmark districts. Its nine members are appointed by the mayor and City Council.