Bishop Porter’s passing on December 30th will lead to a consecration ceremony on February 28th.
The passing of Bishop Dr. Claude Porter marks the end of an era and the beginning of a carefully planned transition that honors both the bishop’s legacy and the historic organization he led. Bishop Porter was the Founder, President, and CEO of PLCCA, Inc., and the Bishop Emeritus, Founder, and Overseer of Proviso Baptist Church.
“Bishop Porter meant a great deal to the entire Proviso community. He always believed in giving people a hand up rather than a hand out. Through decades of dedication and perseverance, he helped hundreds of thousands of people learn a life of self-sufficiency and Independence,” IL Speaker Emmanuel C. Welch said.
The mourning period will conclude with a significant symbolic gesture on Sunday, February 1st, when Bishop Porter’s chair will be transferred from the pulpit and placed in a memorial section of the church. This dedicated space will house his awards, plaques, and other recognition of his decades of service, creating a lasting tribute to his leadership and vision.
The Path to Elevation
On February 10th, the current pastor, Pastor John Harrell, will be elevated to the position of Bishop Elect, marking the formal recognition of the leadership transition.
Pastor Harrell brings his own substantial credentials to this historic role. Beyond pastoring two historic Baptist churches on the West Side—Proviso Baptist Church and New Hope Baptist Church—he serves as Director of Faith-Based Initiatives for the National Baptist Convention, USA Incorporated, Chairman for Global Missions, Co-Founder and President of Black Men United.
For the incoming bishop, this elevation represents both honor and responsibility. He assumes leadership of an organization with deep roots in Chicago.
The ceremony will be held on February 28th at Proviso Baptist Church, 1116 S. 5th Ave, Maywood, IL, at 4 PM. On that day, Pastor Harrell will be launching H.O.P.E. (Helping Others Prosper Every Day) and unveiling his $22 million mixed-income housing project named after Bishop Porter.
This will mark not an ending but a continuation—the passing of leadership from one faithful servant to another, the honoring of a legacy while embracing the future, and the affirmation that the work Bishop Porter championed will continue under new leadership.
