Ready to uncover a story of resilience and faith right here? I am talking about Ebenezer United Methodist Church. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the African American community in Washington D.C.
Ebenezer United Methodist Church was founded in 1838. It began as Little Ebenezer United Methodist Church. The church emerged from its mother church, the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Segregation was the order of the day. Black congregants found themselves restricted in the seating arrangements. They were relegated to specific areas. The African American congregants simply outgrew their space. With support from the main church, they established their own place of worship.
Little Ebenezer was initially housed in a small frame building. It was located at Fourth and D Street, S.E. on Capitol Hill. In the 1860s, Little Ebenezer gained independence. It established its own board. The board consisted of African American trustees.
Ebenezer played a pivotal role in education. In 1864, the D.C. government opened a school. It was for African American students of all ages. The school was the first government-sponsored school for African Americans in Washington.
Emma V. Brown and Frances W. Perkins were the school’s first teachers. Perkins was sent by the New England Freedmen’s Aid Society of Boston. The student body quickly exceeded the church’s capacity. Perkins raised funds for a new school building. A lot was purchased on C Street. The new school was named Lincoln School. It operated until 1947.
Little Ebenezer became Ebenezer United Methodist Church in 1870. That same year, construction began on a new brick building. It replaced the original church. William J. Palmer was the architect. The new building was completed by 1873.
Ebenezer United Methodist Church is still active today. It stands as the oldest black congregation on Capitol Hill. In 1827, the colored membership outgrew the galleries. These galleries were reserved for them in the white mother church. They desired their own church to worship in their own way.
A lot was purchased on April 27, 1838. It was located on the corner of Fourth and D Streets, SE. A small frame church was built and named “Little Ebenezer”. Rev. Noah Jones became the first colored pastor in 1864.
The first Sunday school was formed here in 1840. The first public government-sponsored school for colored children was established here in 1864. By May 1865, enrollment grew from 40 to 104 students. The school then moved to Second and C Streets, SE.
The congregation increased significantly. It created the need to build a larger church in 1870. That building was destroyed in a storm. This necessitated building the present church at a cost of $26,718.55.
In 1968, The Methodist Church merged with The Evangelical United Brethren Church. They formed The United Methodist Church. Ebenezer’s name changed to Ebenezer United Methodist Church.
On April 29, 1975, Ebenezer was designated a Historical Landmark. Several churches were organized from Ebenezer. Numerous sons and daughters became ministers.
In 1896, the current church was constructed. Crump and Wagner designed the red brick structure. The long elevation meets the entrance elevation in a corner tower. The 4th Street elevation is articulated with stained-glass windows. The D Street facade is marked by a rose window.
Ebenezer United Methodist Church continues to be a beacon of light. It shines for the community on Capitol Hill. It is a place for all seeking the Lord and Savior. Ebenezer has truly come this far by faith.