The Rev. Tyrone R. Jordan of the Pilgrim Baptist Church talks about the Chicago Gospel Music Fest, which will be held in the Bronzeville neighborhood for the first time in the event's history. | John H. White~Sun-Times Media

Mamie Grady, a lifelong member of historic Pilgrim Baptist Church, remembers when worshippers flocked to the church in droves. | John H. White~Sun-Times

Pilgrim Baptist Church (shown in 2004) was destroyed by a fire in 2006. It is in the process of being rebuilt. | SUN-TIMES PHOTO

Flossie Brown, a member of the historic Pilgrim Baptist Church, talks about the Gospel Fest being held in the Bronzeville neighborhood. | John H. White~Sun-Times Media

Courtney Jordan and Sydney Armstead are members of the Pilgrim Baptist Church in Chicago. | John H. White~Sun-Times