Church transforms site of violence into ‘Corner of Life’ on Chicago’s South Side

CHICAGO (WGN) — There are new beginnings on the corner of 79^th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue. What used to be a corner associated with violence now houses a building called Corner of Life.

Members of New Life Covenant Church Southeast spent Saturday morning ringing bells on Chicago’s South Side. They welcome over 1,000 people to the church’s annual “Prayer on the 9” rally.

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“Pastor Hannah teaches us about the sound that is released in the atmosphere and how it can shift things and change things,” Emiko Pope said. “The bells symbolize victory, and it symbolizes a promise.”

This year’s march shifted from its traditional path down 79th Street to recognize transformation in the neighborhood.

“Pastor Hannah and New Life, thank you for believing in our community and standing shoulder to shoulder with our alders,” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said.

The church celebrated its recent purchase of Happy’s Liquor Store.

“We’ve been walking past this for 15 years, and today we stand in front of it and say we own it,” Pastor John Hannah said.

The building has been long associated with violence, including a deadly shooting one year ago. 

“Back in May, three young men were gunned down in front of this building. One of them lost his life,” Hannah said. “His mother is here with us today. We’re going to dedicate a part of the building in memory of her son.”

Hannah says a part of the building will turn into a grocery store. It will also house medical offices and essential community services he feels are lacking on the South Side. 

The church says this is just the beginning of the change. They hope to transform more buildings on the street. Officials say renovations have already begun at Corner of Life.

“We will pay cash for each of these buildings. Everyone says we got a cash anointing. After we buy it, we just need your help to help us build it,” Hannah said.