Founded in 1919, Coppin Memorial AME moved locations four times in less than ten years as the congregation rapidly grew to serve the African American community in the Washington Park neighborhood. In 1928, Coppin AME purchased its current building, which was originally constructed in 1905 as an Orthodox synagogue, Congregation Anshe Misrach. In 1967, recognizing an increasing need for youth community spaces, the congregation added the Bishop S.S. Morris Youth Center. The church subsequently became a community hub for both youth activities and civil rights, notably hosting forums on housing integration and Black heritage teas, featuring acts like the famous Chicago jazz group, the Johnny Pate Trio.

Today, Coppin AME uses its youth building as the Coppin Community Center. In partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the center distributes 10,000 pounds of fresh food weekly via its food pantry. Additionally, the building houses a job training and resource center operated in partnership with the Angel of God Resource Center, as well as La Tienda, a community-based organization that provides donated clothing and household items to residents in need. 

In 2020, two concrete stones from the church tower became dislodged and fell to the ground. After the church completed the repairs, a 2025 Building Conditions Assessment revealed that the stones were re-mounted incorrectly and were at risk of falling again. The unstable masonry presented an urgent, life-threatening safety concern for pedestrians using the sidewalk below. The church had to fence off one of its entrances, limiting easy access for its food programs.

An Intervention Fund grant of $94,000 awarded in 2026 will help Coppin AME reset and secure the stones, addressing the urgent safety risk to building users and the public.