RESTORATION
The murder of Emmett Till shocked the nation in 1955 and helped ignite the Civil Rights Movement. However, Emmett Till's death might not have provoked national and international outcry in the way it did if not for Mamie Till-Mobley's choice to have an open casket funeral to “let the world see what I’ve seen.” Over 100,000 mourners filed past Till's open casket to pay their respects over three days of visitation at Roberts Temple. Images and news of the memorial service and the extended viewing circled the globe, exposing the terrible inhumanity of white racism and violence against Black people in the South. Roberts Temple brought the injustice of Emmett Till’s murder to light and catalyzed the Civil Rights struggle for freedom. This makes it an essential American landmark that must be preserved. We aim to restore Roberts Temple to its 1955 condition to preserve this site as it was at this pivotal moment in American history.
Restoration of Roberts Temple to Its 1955 Glory
Roberts Temple Church of God In Christ has been remodeled many times since 1922 when it was constructed. In 1992, Roberts Temple was substantially remodeled, including refronting the building in lighter brick and changing the shape of the original façade. (See below.) The windows were replaced with glass block, the sanctuary was remodeled, and the second-floor balcony was removed.
However, much of the original structure remains. The original red brick façade remains beneath the newer brick work, meaning that it could likely be restored. Further, the overall massing, side elevations, and roofline of the building remain intact. (1) With the basic structure still in place, restoration of the church is possible.
Restorative Journey
Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ stands as a revered national monument, honoring a powerful legacy of faith, resilience, and community.
We are proud to announce the successful completion of Phase 1 and the launch of Phase 2 of our ongoing restoration project. This transformative effort has already brought renewed life to our historic sanctuary. The installation of beautiful new windows and extensive exterior improvements has preserved the church’s architectural integrity while enhancing its visual splendor.
As we move forward, we invite you to celebrate this important milestone with us and continue supporting our mission to honor our heritage, preserve our history, and uplift the community we serve.
This is how it started.
Dr. Marvel McCain-Parker
Project Director, Preserve Roberts Temple Initiative
Dr. Marvel McCain-Parker serves as Project Director for the Preserve Roberts Temple Initiative, leading the ongoing effort to restore and preserve Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ, the sacred site where Emmett Till’s homegoing service was held in 1955. Under her direction, this historic Bronzeville church—now part of the Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument—is being stabilized and reimagined as both a place of worship and a center for education, reflection, and community engagement.
Dr. Parker collaborates with preservation partners, government agencies, and community organizations to guide restoration planning, fundraising, and interpretive design for the site. Her vision ensures that Roberts Temple continues to stand not only as a house of faith but also as a national symbol of justice, resilience, and legacy.
Together with her husband, Dr. Wheeler Parker Jr., she co-founded the Till Institute, an organization dedicated to preserving the memory of Emmett Till and advancing education, healing, and social justice. Through both the Till Institute and the Preserve Roberts Temple Initiative, Dr. McCain-Parker continues to honor the past while building pathways for future generations.
Dr. Marvel McCain Parker with Engineer Charles Echols
The Institute, in collaboration with Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ, is leading the restoration of this historic Chicago landmark. The project is supported by the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund and the Mellon Foundation’s Monuments Project.
The restoration team also includes Bauer Latoza Architects (now Arda Design) and Berglund Construction.
We were honored to welcome Tiffany Tolbert and Brandon Bibby of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, along with Dr. Marvel Parker of the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Institute, for this special presentation.
The Bronzeville church that held Till's funeral is celebrating his life by restoring the building to its former glory.
President Jack of Berguland construction gives an update on the progress and how it all started.
This video honors the 70th year since the tragic loss of Emmett Till — a moment that changed the world — and celebrates the completion of Phase One in restoring Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ, the sacred site where his story moved a nation.
Exterior view of Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ following brick and window restoration in 2025.
Phase 1 completed.
The Action Fund team visited Roberts Temple in Spring 2025 to tour renovation progress made by the architectural and construction teams. While there, they met with longtime project partners Dr. Marvel McCain Parker and her husband, Reverend Wheeler Parker, Jr., a cousin of Emmett Till’s and the last living witness to his abduction in 1955. The Parkers and the broader Robert’s Temple congregation are actively involved in envisioning the future phases of the church building’s rehabilitation.
"We don't hide from our history in Illinois — no matter how painful the chapter. I'm honored to be at Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ to unveil the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument to ensure we continue to learn from the past and create a better future." Governor JB Pritzker
"In light of Preservation Month, we would like to highlight the exciting preservation progress that is being made at the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago.
Berglund has been engaged with Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Emmett Till and Mamie Till Mobley Institute since 2021."
Berglund Construction
A side by side comparison of the 1955 façade with the façade today. Source: Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ, Landmark Designation Report, p. 29. Link. Creator: Chicago Landmarks Commission, November 3, 2005.
An Opportunity to Preserve Roberts Temple Before It's Too Late
Roberts Temple is a site of enormous cultural and national significance in real danger of being lost if we do not act to restore and preserve it. Today, the building is structurally unsafe. Although the church is still in use by the Church of God In Christ congregation, services are forced to take place in the basement rather than the sanctuary. The building is on the verge of becoming uninhabitable. With your help, we can reverse this decline.
Our first priority is to hire a structural engineer to evaluate the safety and structure of the building. We will then develop a remodeling plan to restore the building to its 1955 appearance, including restoration of the original façade, the sanctuary, and the balcony. We are working with MASS Design Group to lead the restoration efforts.
Please consider investing in the preservation of Roberts Temple to save this important site. Any amount you are able to contribute will help make the Roberts Temple restoration a reality.
The interior during the memorial service for Emmett Till versus the interior today. Source of the first image: Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ, Landmark Designation Report, p. 17. Link. Creator: Chicago Landmarks Commission, November 3, 2005.
Footnotes
Landmark Designation Report: Roberts Temple Church of God In Christ. Commission on Chicago Landmarks, November 3, 2005. https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/zlup/Historic_Preservation/Publications/Roberts_Temple.pdf.