Photo Credit: Sterling Gilmore (@iamnerdyshoot)
By Marseil ‘Action’ Jackson
Nearly 50 years ago, Bishop Bennie L. Allison stood outside a dilapidated building at 4510 W. Washington Boulevard, determined to restore life to a once-thriving structure on Chicago’s West Side. Without government assistance, he and his congregation from Corinthian Temple Church of God in Christ (COGIC) banded together to rehabilitate the building, an act of faith, resilience, and commitment to their community. Today, his grandson, Bishop David Todd Whittley, continues this mission of revitalization as he prepares to break ground on CARE Manor, a $31 million affordable housing development just blocks away. This year, as Bishop Whittley celebrates his 20th anniversary as Pastor of Corinthian Temple COGIC, his legacy is cemented not only as a spiritual leader but as a visionary community developer, standing on the shoulders of his grandfather.
A Legacy of Service and Transformation
Bishop David Todd Whittley has spent two decades not just preaching from the pulpit but working in the streets of West Garfield Park, where his family has been rooted in service for generations. His grandfather, Bishop Bennie L. Allison, founded Corinthian Temple COGIC and the United for Better Living organization, formerly known as the Allison United Foundation for Better Living, laying the foundation for faith-based community service. Under Bishop Allison’s leadership, the church was more than a place of worship; it was a beacon of hope and a catalyst for community upliftment. In 1976, Bishop Allison, without the aid of government funding, led his congregation in rehabilitating the building at 4510 W. Washington—a bold move that saved the property from being condemned.
Now, history comes full circle as Bishop Whittley leads a similar charge, expanding that legacy with CARE Manor, a 44-unit affordable housing development that aims to meet the growing need for safe, accessible, and inclusive housing in West Garfield Park.
“Bishop Whittley’s leadership is rooted in the same compassion and drive that his grandfather had,” said Kathy Allison, Executive Director of United for Better Living and a longtime member of Corinthian Temple. “I worked closely with Bishop Bennie Allison for years, and now, seeing Bishop Whittley take this work to new heights is a blessing. His heart is always in the right place, and the community trusts him because he’s always thinking about how to serve others.”
CARE Manor: A Milestone in Affordable Housing
As Chicago faces an affordable housing crisis, Bishop Whittley’s CARE Manor is a transformative response to the city’s needs. The $31 million project, funded in part by the Housing Equity Development (HED) bond announced by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Housing, marks a bold step forward in addressing the challenges of housing insecurity. CARE Manor is one of the first developments to receive funding from the new bond, signaling the city’s commitment to investing in neighborhoods that have historically been left behind.
CARE Manor’s 44 units will provide much-needed affordable rental housing for low-income families in the West Garfield Park community. This project, along with the Prairie District development on the Near South Side, which will rehabilitate 100 units into permanent supportive housing, are part of a broader citywide initiative aimed at inclusivity, accessibility, and community stabilization.
“Bishop Whittley doesn’t just talk about what needs to be done—he does it,” said retired Lt. Daniel Allen, a longtime community partner. “His leadership has brought so many of us together, working toward a common goal of uplifting this community.”
The CARE Center: Repurposing a School, Rebuilding a Community
In addition to the CARE Manor project, one of Bishop Whittley’s most significant contributions to West Garfield Park is the transformation of the former Marconi Elementary School into The CARE Center. When Chicago Public Schools closed Marconi in 2013, it left a void in the community—a space that once nurtured children now stood empty, a symbol of disinvestment in the neighborhood. But Bishop Whittley stepped up, purchasing the building and repurposing it into a hub for community services.
Today, The CARE Center provides a range of resources, from job training and health services to youth programs and educational support. The center has become a vital lifeline for the community, ensuring that residents have access to the tools they need to thrive.
“When the schools closed, it felt like they were closing off opportunities for our future,” said Missionary Margaret Smith, who has worked closely with Bishop Whittley for many years. “But Bishop Whittley saw it differently. He saw an opportunity to rebuild, to repurpose, and to serve the community in new ways. The CARE Center is a testament to his vision.”
Bishop Whittley reflected, “We didn’t lose a school, we gained a place where the community can grow, heal, and find support. The CARE Center is a beacon of hope, and we’re here to stay.”
A Family at the Heart of His Mission
Amid his busy schedule of leading a congregation, overseeing multiple community programs, and managing large-scale development projects, Bishop Whittley’s greatest foundation is his family. His wife of 25 years, Dr. Chandra Whittley, and their two children, David Jonathan and Sydney Nicole, have been his unwavering support system.
“Everything we do, we do as a family,” said Bishop Whittley. “My wife and children are my greatest supporters. Their love, encouragement, and faith fuel me to keep going, even when the work is hard. I am incredibly blessed to have them by my side.”
Dr. Chandra, a partner in both life and ministry, has been a source of strength, helping to manage the balance between home life and the demands of leadership. Together, the Whittley family exemplifies the values of faith, service, and community.
“Bishop Whittley is the epitome of a servant leader,” said Marseil Action Jackson, his spiritual son and mentee. “He pours so much into the community, into the church, and into his family. His ability to balance all of these responsibilities with grace and humility is something I’ve always admired.”
Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership and Service
As Bishop Whittley celebrates his 20th anniversary as pastor of Corinthian Temple COGIC, the community reflects on his far-reaching impact. His work has not only uplifted his congregation but has transformed the West Garfield Park neighborhood. Whether through the development of CARE Manor, the repurposing of the Marconi Elementary School into The CARE Center, or his elevation within the Church of God in Christ as Jurisdictional Bishop of the Illinois Midwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, Bishop Whittley has continually demonstrated his commitment to serving others.
“It’s never been about me,” Bishop Whittley said. “It’s always been about what we can do for our community, our families, and our future. That’s what keeps me going, and that’s what I’m celebrating today.”
As Chicago faces the future, it can look to leaders like Bishop David Todd Whittley—leaders who are not just preaching faith, but living it. His 20-year milestone is not just a celebration of his past accomplishments but a promise of what’s still to come. The West Side of Chicago is stronger, more hopeful, and more united because of his leadership, and his legacy is only just beginning.
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