Historic Pilgrim Baptist Church will not be rebuilt after fire, leaders say

CHICAGO (WLS) -- It's been nearly a decade since a fire destroyed Chicago's Pilgrim Baptist Church.

Ald. Pat Dowell says church leaders told her they will not rebuild the historic South Side church.

The project to rebuild the church in the Bronzeville neighborhood proved to be too costly for the congregation. Work to restore the building started back in 2006 after a fire gutted the church.

It is known as the birthplace of gospel music.

The congregation is coming up with a plan for the land and a way to preserve the church's exterior limestone walls.