Vision
Ebenezer seeks to build Christian character by teaching men and women to witness for Jesus Christ through the way they live.
Matthew 28:18-20
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.
Mission
Ebenezer Baptist Church is a called out body of believers committed to spreading the message of free salvation thru accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
We are committed to empowering disciples to lead a Christ-centered lifestyle with the Word of God as the standard and measurement for all decisions.
Founder of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Reverend John W. Jones, was born in South Hampton, Virginia on October 16, 1868 to Mr. & Mrs. Nathan R. Jones. He was a spiritual leader, educator, teacher, preacher and the grandson of Nat Turner. He was converted to Christian faith at an early age and was called to the ministry at the age of nineteen.
He moved to Baltimore in 1884 and united with the Perkins Square Baptist Church where he was ordained as a minister by Rev. Harvey Johnson, Edgar Freeman and W.M. Alexander. He served under the ministry of Perkins Square Baptist church for one year. Through the grace of God, Rev. John Jones succeeded doing Christian and Evangelistic work, which led him to be instrumental in organizing several churches in the Northeast community.
Being obedient to God, Rev. Jones began his mission by organizing a Sunday School in an old garage located on Belt Street (now known as Worsley Avenue) with 10 children. He called it Ebenezer Baptist Sunday School. Through the spiritual and fervent guidance of Rev. Jones the membership outgrew the dwelling. This prompted him to move to a rented room in Ms. Frazier’s house on 21st Street, where he continued to serve the Lord.
Reverend Jones had a vision to build a church to accommodate the spiritual needs of the people in the area. The members agreed to purchase the property at 406 E. 23 rd Street. Rev. Jones and the congregation constructed the building themselves. This building is now known as Saint Paul Free Will Baptist Church.
A church on the corner of Guilford Avenue and 23rd Street was for sale. Rev. Jones and his congregation sold their present building ( 406 E. 23 rd Street) for the down payment to purchase the property on Guilford Avenue & 23 rd Street. On the third Sunday of September, 1919, the congregation, led by Rev. John W. Jones, rejoiced and praised God as they marched into their building. Rev. John W. Jones’ continued fulfilling God’s mission until December 28, 1931, when he was called from labor to his reward.
Reverend Jones left his former student and Co-Pastor, Rev. Edward T. Jordan to continue the work that God had instructed him to do at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Rev. Jordan pastored until 1953. He was very instrumental in paying off the mortgage of this church.
Rev. I. Logan Kearse Pastored from 1954 thru 1958 during the Civil Rights Era and was instrumental in bringing Dr. Martin Luther King to Ebenezer.
Rev. Maxwell Johnson Pastored from 1959 thru 1972. He was instrumental in overseeing the major improvements and enlargement to the church building.
Rev. Clarence Pool Pastored from 1973 thru 1986. He was our inspirational singing Pastor. He was instrumental with the motto “Where Christ is Above All.”
Rev. Mark L. Saunders Pastored from 1988 thru 2000. He worked diligently in the community, renovated the lower portion of the church, purchased the building at 309 E. 23 rd Street to accommodate the Sunday School, and converted many souls to Christ.
Interim Pastor, Rev. Leon Jones, teacher, preacher and historian, served from 2000 thru 2002.
Jonathan David Hancock pastored Ebenezer from 2002 to 2014. His mission for the church was "Developing Disciples for Divine Destiny.” Pastor Hancock developed a prospering Men’s Ministry, Youth Ministry (under the leadership of Minister LeVar Jones) and was instrumental in establishing community outreach programs. He maintained the legacy of Rev. John W. Jones through his obedience to God by leading souls to Christ and developing mature Christians.
Elder Eric Taylor, Sr. has been a faithful servant of God in his tenure here at Ebenezer Baptist Church, starting under the leadership of Pastor Saunders. After serving as Interim Pastor from 2014-2017, he became Pastor-Elect on December 9, 2017. His willful commitment to Ebenezer over the past two decades has naturally intertwined his spiritual growth with that of this church. Through the gift of preaching the Word of God, Pastor Taylor is working to equip God's people with the assured knowledge that we are forever changed by the power of God.
