In a monumental achievement for one of Aurora's most storied institutions, Main Baptist Church has acquired a new location and unveiled exclusive plans for its future. The historic establishment, already a cornerstone of the Black community, has embarked on an ambitious journey to create a Unity Center that will foster education, innovation, and community engagement. As announced on the City of Aurora's official Facebook page, the new location on East New York Street will house a 32,000 sq. ft. multi-level building on seven acres of land.
Main Baptist Church, dating back to 1867, is the second-oldest Black church in Aurora and has played a key role in the city's history, spanning the Reconstruction Era, the Civil Rights Movement, and modern times. Fox 32 Chicago reports that the new site will be named The Unity Center and will offer an array of facilities, including an 860-seat Worship Sanctuary, an Innovation and Education center, a Small Business Incubator, classrooms for community education, a coffee shop and free Wi-Fi café, as well as second-floor office space and a rooftop.
The church's acquisition and the planned development of The Unity Center were celebrated during a ribbon-cutting and sign-unveiling ceremony on Monday, September 12. Fox 32 Chicago also notes that Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin was in attendance and praised the church's long-lasting impact on the community.
