Who We Are

We are a congregation committed to the liberation of oppressed and marginalized people throughout the world, as we live out what it truly means to be the Church. At Avalon, we recognize that while we are located in a primarily African American community, our fellowship of believers extends to all races and creeds far beyond the benediction.

We acknowledge that it is God who has made us, and not we ourselves. The ministry at Avalon understands that we are called to nurture a next-up generation of disciples through the mediums of music, sound, storytelling, and activism. We also embrace our elders—affectionately referred to as our “Seasoned Saints”—as walking libraries of sacred memory and lived faith.

Here at Avalon, we embrace the African concept of Ubuntu: “I am because we are.” Whether you are educated or uneducated, long-time churched or new to the community of faith, Avalon is a canvas, and you are invited to add your unique gift to nearly 130 years of ministry.

At Avalon, we believe that prophetic preaching, intentional Bible study, and authentic worship—placed under the anointing of the Holy Spirit—are pathways to God’s glory. We are a church that believes deeply in serving God beyond the walls of the sanctuary, long after the benediction has been spoken.

Come and join us as we continue to build this powerful ministry.

To God be the glory!

Reverend Dr. Mark S. Barclay
Senior Pastor
Avalon Park Community Church

Our History

Founded in 1896 through gospel meetings in a vacant store and under the German Zion Society, the Rev. A.C. Walz delivered the first sermon to 26 members on March 15, 1896.

On August 28, 1896, Rev. Samuel Heininger, President of the Indiana Conference, formally established the church. A church building and parsonage were planned, and the church was formally established in 1897 at 7932 S. Chauncey Avenue (Avalon Avenue)

A language change occurred in 1902-1904 under the pastorate of Rev. J.A. Swank. The church switched from German to English services to accommodate more youth and new residents.

From 1910-1915 under Dr. Lee Anna Star’s leadership, Pierce Park became Avalon Park (name after her Pittsburgh home). Around 1914-1915, the church building was converted into a parsonage, a new sanctuary was built, and the church was renamed First Methodist Protestant Church of Chicago.

Post WWII, Avalon Park grew, prompting the church to expand. By 1926, a community building was added followed by further renovations.

Renamed Avalon Park Community Church in 1931 upon joining the Congregational Christian Churches, it merged with Park Manor Congregational Church in 1953, and became a part of the United Church of Christ in 1957.

Our legacy and Impact is profound. Avalon Park Community Church, UCC has been a steadfast beacon of faith and community. Its facilities have consistently served as vital gathering spaces for community groups offering spiritual nourishment and unwavering support to its members and the broader community. From the challenging years of the Progressive Era and world wars to the Civil Rights movements to today’s political climate Avalon has always found strength in a congregation consistently ready to champion truth and justice.

What We Believe

United Church of Christ Statement of Faith—adapted by Robert V. Moss

We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, who is made known to us in Jesus our brother, and to whose deeds we testify:

God calls the worlds into being, creates humankind in the divine image, and sets before us the ways of life and death.

God seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.

God judges all humanity and all nations by that will of righteousness declared through prophets and apostles.

In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord, God has come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the whole creation to its Creator.

God bestows upon us the Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.

God calls us into the church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be servants in the service of the whole human family, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory.

God promises to all who trust in the gospel forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, the presence of the Holy Spirit in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in that kingdom which has no end.

Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto God.

Amen.

Rev. Dr. Mark Barclay

Rev. Dr. Mark Barclay was born in Chicago Heights, Illinois, but grew up in South Suburban Harvey. Mark is the 6th child of 7 children born to Eugenia and William Barclay. Mark graduated from Thornridge High School in Dolton, Illinois, in 1978, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served for 6 years. After being honorably discharged, Mark entered and graduated from Washburne Trade School in Chicago in 1991 and is an accomplished Painter and decorator. Mark Joined Trinity UCC IN 1995. In 1997, after hearing a series of Sermons on Jonah by Reverend Dr. Jeremiah A Wright Jr., Mark’s running stopped, and he answered the call to ministry. Mark returned to school at Chicago State University. In 2002, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. Mark immediately entered the Seminary at Chicago Theological Seminary, where he earned a Master’s in Divinity in 2008. Mark finished the Ordination process for the United Church of Christ on March 13, 2012, and was ordained and installed as Associate Pastor for Men’s Ministries at Trinity United Church of Christ under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III. Rev. Mark returned to school in 2016 and entered the Rev Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. Scholars program under the tutelage of Dr. Wright. Rev Dr. Barclay completed his Doctorate in Africentric Religious Thought in May 2019.

After serving for close to 10 years as the Associate Pastor of Men and later Community Outreach at Trinity United Church of Christ, Rev. Dr. Barclay surrendered in January of 2023, to the processional pull of the Holy Spirit to serve as Senior Pastor of Avalon Park Community Church UCC.

Rev Dr. Barclay credits his spiritual formation and theology to the teaching of Rev Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., Rev Dr. Ozzie E Smith, and Rev Dr. Otis Moss III, among many others. Rev Mark is called to Pastor what he calls a hybrid ministry of outreach, spending as much time in the community as he does in the parish. A lifetime Martial Artist, Mark holds a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo and a first-degree black belt in Hapkido, Rev Mark utilizes what he has learned from Martial Arts and a recovering addict of over 30 years sobriety, to teach discipline,unity along with spiritual and cultural awareness. Rev Dr. Mark loves the Lord and is married to the love of his life, Paula Barclay, whom he credits with reminding him often of a quote by Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A Wright Jr., “Don’t be a public success and a private failure.”Mark is a father of three fantastic girls, Alexis, Sydni, and Candace.Rev Dr. Mark’s favorite scripture is Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Paula E. Barclay

Paula E. Barclay serves as the First Lady of Avalon Park Community Church. A graduate of Chicago State University, she holds a degree in Occupational Therapy and is a retired occupational therapist with more than 30 years of experience serving individuals and families across a wide range of health challenges. Her warm spirit, steady presence, and compassionate care have long defined both her professional work and her ministry.

First Lady Paula is a devoted wife to Pastor Mark Barclay and a loving mother to their daughter, Candace. She is also a dedicated outreach minister who has worked alongside Pastor Mark to support and organize peace walks, community basketball tournaments, concerts, feeding initiatives, women’s ministry programming, and other community-centered efforts.

Deeply rooted in faith, First Lady Paula believes strongly in the power of prayer and lives out her calling through service, support, and quiet leadership. She and Pastor Mark have been married for 26 years and counting, and she credits the strength and longevity of their marriage to shared faith, balance, and intentional self-care.

Rev. Dr. Carol Taylor

Rev. Dr. Carol Taylor serves as the Executive Minister of Avalon Park Community Church UCC in Chicago. She was ordained as a Deacon at Trinity United Church of Christ. After receiving her call to ministry, Rev. Carol attended McCormick Theological Seminary and received the Master of Divinity Degree. Carol continued to pursue advanced studies in ministry at the Seminary and received her certification in Executive Leadership.

In May 2023, she received her Doctor of Ministry degree. Her dissertation entitled “Light the Fire! Engaging Black Faith for Social Activism in the Face of Mass Incarceration” demonstrates one example of her passion for advocacy and the pursuit of justice for the disinherited and disenfranchised.

Carol is a 25+ year Prison Minister and an Intercessory Prayer Minister who passionately believes that “PRAYER IS PRIORITY. She staunchly believes the Word of God to be the primary transformative means of liberation for all people. Integral to Rev. Carol’s call to ministry is her commitment to preach and teach a theology of liberation to those whom Jesus called the ‘least of these’. Carol also works as a Senior IT Product Manager and is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

MacArthur Winfrey Minister of Music

McArthur Winfrey Jr is a dynamic musician whose journey through the realms of gospel, jazz, classical, and contemporary music has been marked by passion and profound artistry. As a gifted organist and keyboardist, McArthur’s versatile skills have allowed him to navigate and blend these diverse genres seamlessly.

From 2018 to 2023, McArthur served as the Minister of Music at Monument of Faith, where he cultivated a rich musical environment that inspired both congregants and fellow musicians alike. His leadership in this role not only showcased his technical expertise but also his ability to evoke deep emotional connections through music.

Influenced by iconic artists such as Israel & NewBreed, John P. Kee, Ricky Dillard, Donald Lawrence, Walter Hawkins, Andrew Crouch, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Prince, McArthur has crafted a unique sound that resonates with authenticity and spiritual depth. His music reflects a tapestry of rhythms and melodies that pay homage to his mentors while carving out his distinct musical identity.

McArthur Winfrey Jr continues to inspire audiences with his soulful performances and dedication to musical excellence, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who experience his artistry.

Who We Are

Our History