Deep within Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood stands a beacon of faith. This beacon is Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church. Its history is rich and full of gospel music. Ebenezer’s story began with a disagreement at Olivet Missionary Baptist Church in 1902. This disagreement led a determined group to form their own church. Rev J.F. Thomas led about 30 parishioners away from Olivet. Eliza Jackson suggested the name Ebenezer.
Initially, Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church held services at Arlington Hall. Arlington Hall was at 31st Street and Indiana Avenue. The congregation grew quickly. After a year, they needed a larger space. In 1903, Ebenezer purchased a building at 35th and Dearborn streets. The price was 11500 dollars.
Rev Thomas served Ebenezer for 18 years. He also served as president of the Illinois State Baptist Convention. Thomas led Ebenezer in meeting with Isaiah Temple. Isaiah Temple was a Jewish synagogue. Together, they planned the purchase of the synagogue at 45th Street and Vincennes Avenue. Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church paid 65000 dollars. They made a down payment of 26000 dollars. This building remains Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church’s home.
Rev Thomas passed away shortly before the new church building opened. Rev Charles Henry Clark from Nashville succeeded him. Clark became Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church’s second pastor. Under Clark’s leadership, Ebenezer paid off its mortgage by 1928. However, Clark resigned due to dissension among the members.
Rev James Howard Lorenzo Smith became Ebenezer’s third pastor in 1931. Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church was restored to peace under his leadership. The church experienced new life and made advancements. During Rev Smith’s tenure, Ebenezer became known as the birthplace of gospel music. Rev Smith envisioned a gospel chorus. This vision led to the organization of the first gospel chorus.
Professor Theodore Frye became the director. Professor Thomas A Dorsey became the pianist. In January 1932, the Ebenezer gospel chorus debuted. The debut filled the church to capacity. The 100-member chorus impressed everyone with their soulful sound. Six weeks later, Dorsey left to direct a new chorus at Pilgrim Baptist Church. Despite this, Ebenezer Gospel Chorus continued to prosper.
Roberta Martin replaced Dorsey as pianist at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church. She organized the Roberta Martin Singers. The members went on to become renowned gospel soloists. In 1938, Frye resigned. Rev Smith then summoned professor John E Rogers Jr. to be the new director.
Ebenezer’s musical program expanded. A senior choir, a junior church choir, and a junior gospel chorus were added in 1935. The music department helped shape many musical greats. Dinah Washington and Willie Brown were among them.
In the 1930s and 1940s, Ebenezer’s membership grew. Many members were Southern migrants. The church became politically active in civil rights struggles. Ebenezer raised money for Ethiopia’s defense. They supported the March on Washington.
Rev Frank Kentworth Sims succeeded Rev Smith in 1959. He served for 30 years. Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr spoke at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church. Mahalia Jackson also attended. In 1964, Ebenezer hosted the Sunday School Congress.
Following Sims’ retirement, Rev Derwood O Hunter became the church’s pastor. He emphasized work with youth. Rev Lacy Edward Simpson Jr replaced Hunter. Rev Garry M Cain became the seventh pastor in 2000.
In 2002, historical church documents were discovered. Rev Cain and church historian Anne Duncan donated them to the Chicago Public Library. Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church has maintained numerous organizations. These include the Sunday School and Senior Missionary Society.
The church published a newsletter called The Ebenezer Baptist Reminder. It has been published for more than 80 years. In 2011, Rev Marcel Kerr was inaugurated as the church’s eighth pastor. Today, Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church continues its traditions. These traditions include community works and spiritual outreach.
Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith. It represents resilience and musical innovation in Chicago.