“More than just bricks and mortar,” the story of Mount Ephraim Baptist Church began long before its current location. In the fall of 1876, the Baptist Church of Haddonfield started a Sunday School in Mount Ephraim’s town hall. This was led by Pastor R.F. Young.
In 1886, the Mission Chapel of Mt. Ephraim was built. It was the first worship house in the village. Preaching services started in 1888. Students from Crozier Seminary led these services.
A crucial meeting took place on December 15, 1895. A committee was formed. It included one member from each Baptist family. They met to discuss organizing a Baptist Church. The meeting happened in W.F. Ogden’s parlor. He lived on Black Hose Pike.
The Mission Chapel became a regular church on March 1 1896. It started with 23 members. Reverend A. E. Flinn became the first pastor. On March 14 1896, the Paper of Incorporation was read. Five believers shared their Christian experiences. They were then baptized and became members. The Camden Association recognized Mount Ephraim Baptist Church. It was now an independent Baptist Church.
Brother D.E. Little of Conshohocken Pennsylvania became the Pastor in 1897. He earned $6.00 a week. By 1889, morning worship averaged 25 attendees. From 1904 to 1917, the church saw a new pastor almost every year.
During the 1920s, Mount Ephraim Baptist Church grew. A two-story parsonage was built. The church was renamed “Community Baptist”. A new pipe organ was installed. The Sunday School grew to 146 members.
In the 1940s, the church thrived. Buildings were renovated. A Wurlitzer organ was installed. Horace Taylor, a PCB graduate, became pastor. He was a third-year student at Eastern Baptist College and Seminary. The church ordained Pastor Horace Taylor in 1951. Plans for a new addition were made. By the 1960s, the church reached out with “Doorstep Evangel”. A church bus was purchased. Plans for a new sanctuary were approved. The cornerstone was laid on June 28. The building was dedicated on October 1 1964.
The church remained stable in the 1970s under Pastor Taylor. He promoted unity through activities. Mount Ephraim Baptist Church supported many missionaries. Pastor Taylor resigned in 1980. This ended his 33 years of service.
Mount Ephraim Baptist called Pastor Randall Yager to lead in the 1980s. Outreach expanded to a full AWANA program. The bus ministry restarted. A Youth Pastor joined. Prayer meetings, Sunday School picnics, and hymn sings developed the congregation.
In the early 1990s, nine members went to Brazil for a mission trip. Christmas and Easter Cantatas reached out to the community. In early 1996, Pastor Yager resigned after fourteen years of service.
Under Pastor Stephen Eckardt’s leadership since 2002, the church seeks to bring glory to God. Youth Pastor Mike Bowen and his wife Lisa joined in 2013. They developed a new youth ministry. Mount Ephraim Baptist Church strives to reflect Jesus Christ’s character. This is done through worship, fellowship, and ministries.
Today, Mount Ephraim Baptist Church continues its mission. It serves the Lord Jesus Christ with heart, mind, and soul. The church welcomes all. It offers a place to belong and grow in faith. So next time you pass by Mount Ephraim Baptist Church remember its long and impactful history.