Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church

About Us

Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist church was organized on Sunday, May 13, 1957 by the late Rev. Dr. Amos Waller.  Being a man of great faith and willing to obey the will of God, Pastor Waller soon found a location on the West Side of Chicago at 3657 West Roosevelt Road, and services were immediately held.

Though this particular morning members were few, Pastor Waller invited a quartet group by the name of the “Kindly Shepards” to sing.  After the powerful and soul-stirring message delivered by Pastor Waller; Sam Waller, Freddie Waller, Mary Waller, Alice Killings, Bernice Walker, Florence Staples, Lena Nickerson, Deacon Herbank, Monzola Johnson, and Evelyn Northcut were the first ten souls added, thus Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church was born and given its name by Sister Bernice Walker.

With the vision and leadership of Pastor Waller, we soon outgrew this location and in 1960 we moved to 3906 West Roosevelt Road.  We endured many ups and downs, but through it all, God continued to keep us.  Pastor Waller reminded us by saying, “It Is No Secret What God Can Do.”  Constant in his resolve, Pastor Waller would declare, “You Can Make It, If You Try…”

Through much prayer, Pastor Waller sought and asked God for the movie theater located at 4015 West Roosevelt Road.  God heard and answered his prayers.  In 1964, Mercy Seat was able to march into the location at 4015 West Roosevelt Road, and transform an abandoned movie theater into an elaborate church edifice for his rapidly growing congregation.

Pastor Waller opened the doors of Mercy Seat for many preachers, both young and old as well as many notable preachers and dignitaries such as, Rev. Jasper Williams, Rev. Clay Evans, Rev. Cleo Robinson, Rev. C. L. Franklin, Rev. Marvin Yancy, and many others.  Most notable was the visit of the Vice President of the United States, Walter Mondale in November of 1980.

Through the tireless efforts of Pastor Waller and Mercy Seat, many souls were saved, lives changed, and a community enriched.  In 1998, Mercy Seat suffered a great loss when our organizer and beloved pastor heard the voice of the Master, and was called to rest from his labor.  Scattered and without a pastor, Mercy Seat began its search for a pastor with the help of many friends and local church congregations.  In 1999, our prayers were answered, and Rev. T.C. Raven was called to be our new pastor.

In 2001, we again found ourselves in search of a pastor.  The entire congregation was determined and willing to be led by God, and Rev. Gregory L. Macon was called to be the new pastor of Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church.

In 2006, we again found ourselves without a pastor, and being strong in our steadfastness and looking evermore to God to fill the void, He gave us a minister after His own heart.  In March of 2007, Rev. LeVelle Brown, Sr. of the Mount Vernon Baptist Church was called to be the pastor-elect of Mercy Seat. In September of 2007, Rev. Brown was installed as the pastor of Mercy Seat.

In July of 2007, we moved from 4015 West Roosevelt Road with a 3-block long motorcade and police escort, to our current location, 411 North Long.  We knew that God had everything under control, and He operates in His own time.  There were many fond memories rooted at 4015 West Roosevelt Road, and we looked forward to the new memories to come.  We know that all things work together for them that love God and to them that are called according to his purpose.  We know it won’t be easy, but we know “We Can Make It, If We Try.”