Church History

The Ebenezer Baptist Church was founded in 1901. The first services were held in an old dilapidated house beyond the tracks. At that time this area was known as "The Moon”. The first Pastors were Reverend Stanbeck and Reverend Foster. Under their leadership the Deacons and Superintendent of the Sunday School was Brother Jimmy Vond from Uniontown Alabama, who served faithfully until his death in a mining accident, a storm blew the first structure down. Services were moved into a house owned by the mines. Services continued in this house until later that year, when a group of men went to mine officials for a new Church building. The officials agreed and after finding property each man agreed to pay $5.00 from their wages to pay for the building. The Church had a basement which was used for a public school.

In the year of 1902 sixteen members joined the Church. Among these were the late Minnie Christian, Steven Jones, Virginia Spotburg, Jimmy Webster, and Hattie Lewis. After several years of worship, The union began a strike at the mines. This

caused friction among the members because only the men who were working could attend the Church. The men who were striking had to attend services in hall built by the Knights. The Pastor at this time was Reverend Holmes. After the hall burned and Reverend Holmes decided to move away, this caused the members to have to worship in a pool hall, under the leadership of Reverend          B. J. Nix he lead the flock for nine years. During this nine year period many officers served as Deacons and several members joined.

In 1912 the members decided to purchase the present site from Mr. B. W. Forsee, the contractor for this building was Mr. McLucas Jones, who agreed to build it for $1,400.00. A windstorm blew the first structure down; Mr. Jones rebuilt the Church for

an additional $50.00 for total of $1,450.00.

Several Pastors have served since 1912, including Reverend Nix, Grant, Marshall, A. Jackson, Finch, Strowder, Guy, Mitchell, Presley, N. L. Robinson and Caldwell, who served faithfully from 1968 to 1996 when he retired due to failing health. God called him home later that year. He is certainly missed. Some of the officers to server were John H. Brown, Ernest Robinson Sr., Johnny Williams, Abraham Allen, Steve Christian, Cicero Bevelle Sr., Tom Williams, Willie James Merritt and Sam Walker. All these officers were called home while serving faithfully. Several Pastors were ordained under the pervious leadership including, Reverend Freddie L. Brown, and Charles Bevelle Sr..

In October of 1996 our current Pastor, Reverend Ernest Robinson Jr. accepted the task of Pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church. Since he's joined our family, the Church has experienced tremendous growth under his leadership. Ministers to serve under Pastor Robinson are Pastor Larry Daniels (Pastor Mt. Herman Baptist), Rev. Jimmy Jackson, Rev. Darius Durr, and Rev. David Pruitt of which three of these were ordained under the leadership of Pastor Robinson. Officers to serve under Pastor Robinson are Deacons Jerry Gaston Sr., Aquilla Lowery, Samuel Palmore, Tim Christian, Julius Merritt, and John Smoot Sr.

Thank You Jesus for 105  years.