Establishing an historic landmark for 310 W Monroe St

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In plan the structure is composed of a main rectangular body with high pitched vaulted ceiling which shelters the sanctuary of the church and a large room directly below the sanctuary in the basement. Additional one story extensions enclose a narthex entry at the front with a quarter -hip roof; choir storage at the southeast corner, and office space at the southwest corner with shed extensions from the upper roof. Vertical accessibility is accommodated by stairway in the tower. The main floor is raised significantly from ground level and articulated by a stone string course often referred to as the water table. Entry is accomplished by concrete steps with metal railings located at the center of the front facade which approach a double set of doors which together have a tudor arched head. Secondary entry and egress is provided by a door located at the office appendage. HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT The Olivet African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in the City of South Bend in 1870 under the direction of Reverend John Bundy and nine charter members. The Organization became a legal entity by Articles of Association dated March 16, 1871 under the name of "Olivet Chapel Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church of South Bend ". Said articles of association were signed by James Hurst, Pharoah (A.K.A. Pharoh and Farrow) Powell, J. H. Jackson, Catherine Wilson and Alice Fowler [2]. The Church placed great emphasis on the religious and social improvement of local residents of African descent. For many years, it was the only center of the social, religious, and political life of the city's African - American community. This congregation is found to be variously referred to as Olivet, Mount Olive [3] and simply Olive A.M.E. [4] in the historical sources. Among the other early charter members of the Olivet A.M.E. Church were Mrs. Pharoah Powell, Mrs. James Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Birdgeman, Mr. J. B. Lott, and Mr. John Powell. The first trustees, Pharoah Powell, James Jackson, and James Hurst purchased this site in 1871. Shortly thereafter, the first church was erected on this site in the late 1870's under the direction of Rev. Bundy. This structure was remodeled under the leadership of Rev. George W. Benson. Late in 1915 plans were made for a new church during the administration of Reverend C. Emery Allen. Construction work on the present structure was completed in 1917. On February 4, 1917 the new church was dedicated during the Michigan Annual Conference, by Right Reverend C. S. Smith, Presiding Bishop. The Pipe Organ was unveiled October 23, 1917 under the pastorate of Rev. A. T. Reading.[5] In 1969, the Olivet A.M.E. Church purchased the former Lowell Heights Methodist Church at 719 N. Notre Dame Avenue. They sold this building to James and Bonnie Baxter at that time. The Baxters converted the Church into a center for dance instruction and performance. The building was restored to a place of worship in the latter part of 1981 when the Southhold Dancecenter Inc. sold it to the Greater Tabernacle Christian Church. In April of 1986, South Bend's Department of Redevelopment purchased the structure as part of the land acquisitions related to the development of Covelski Stadium. The structure is presently leased by the city to the Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church where Reverend Robert H. Derrickson is pastor.[6] David B. Duvall September, 1994