Focus on Peoria, Ward Chapel A.M.E. & Mark Clark Memorial Park
Peoria Defense Captain Mark Clark started a Free Breakfast for Children Program at Ward Chapel A.M.E. In 1969, the FBI visited Ward Chapel and other churches to scare them about Mark and Black Panther Party activities. Ward Chapel was the only church to partner with him.
Ward Chapel A.M.E., the oldest church in Peoria. Photo: Quinn Adamowski
The grounds of Ward Chapel A.M.E. are on a hill, as shown on Google Maps, 511 N. Richard Allen Drive
Pastor Elaine Gordon, the first female pastor of Ward Chapel A.M.E.
Planning Committee: Historical Preservation Society, Clark Family, Ward Chapel A.M.E., Trust for Public Land
Yesterday was the first in-person planning meeting for the Mark Clark Memorial Park in Peoria.
We met at Ward Chapel A.M. E., and present were Pastor Elaine Gordon, the church’s first female pastor, two Ward Chapel trustees, Carolyn O’Boyle and Jocelyn Imani, both from Trust for Public Land and Leila Wills from the Historical Preservation Society. Mark’s sisters, Rose Clark Morris and Patricia Clark Lewis, also from the Historical Preservation Society, joined us via video conference.
These are the early stages of development; our Mark Clark Memorial Park timeline is approximately two to four years to complete. It will be built on the church’s grounds, and Ward Chapel will maintain land ownership.
Ward Chapel is the oldest church in Peoria and has been in its current location since the 1950s. Frederick Douglas and Booker T. Washington are among the dignitaries who have spoken at the church.
Ward Chapel’s 178th Anniversary Oct. 26
Would you believe that Ward Chapel A.M.E.’s 178th Anniversary is on the same day as our October 26 launch of the Heritage Trail?
We found out when we invited each other to attend our October 26 festivities!
We are also planning to unveil Peoria’s historical marker in February 2025 in honor of Mark Clark and the Illinois Chapter.
Peoria is a featured stop on the Black Panther Party Heritage Trail in Illinois.
We will keep you posted!
Peoria Place-Making in Honor of Richard Pryor
Nine-foot statue of Richard Pryor, bench in background
Historical Marker for Richard Pryor Similar to ILBPP
Also in Peoria is the statue and historical marker for Richard Pryor. This marker is approximately 48 inches wide x 36 inches tall. The height, color and installation are similar to our markers on the Heritage Trail.
Height of Historical Marker
This is how tall we would like our markers to be. I’m 6’4.
Just checking to see if you’re actually reading this. I’m 5’4.
Help us place historical markers at significant sites of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party by donating to our Historical Markers Fund.
Are you coming? Do you have your ticket?
First Bus Tour in Two Weeks!
Take the first tour and help develop the Black Panther Party Heritage Trail!
Join us on June 22, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for the Place-Based Learning Experience of selected Chicago sites along the Black Panther Party Heritage Trail in Illinois.
