History

A Brief History of Ebenezer Baptist Church

Humble Beginnings (1880s)

• Origins as a Brush Arbor (1880–1890):
  Ebenezer Baptist Church began as a Brush Arbor, a temporary worship structure made from tree branches and brush, providing shelter for revival services and spiritual gatherings. Deacon Thompson Harrison recalled that the men of the church placed water-repellent materials over the arbor to protect it from rain.
• Land Donation (1888):
  In 1888, Mrs. Mattie E. Watson donated two acres of land to support the growing church. The title was granted to deacons Perry Williams, John Williams, Joe McClure, and others serving at Ebenezer.

Establishing a Permanent Church (1907)

• As the congregation grew, Ebenezer purchased $486.18 worth of lumber from Martin-Vandiver Lumber Company in 1907 to build a permanent church, marking the transition from brush-arbor worship to a formal church building.

Ebenezer Rosenwald School (1929–1955)

• In 1929, the Ebenezer Rosenwald School was built approximately 100 yards from the original Brush Arbor site.
• April 12, 1929: Land was officially surveyed for Anderson County School District Five to build the school, named after the church.
• One of 19 Rosenwald Schools in Anderson County, it served grades 1 through 7, providing vital education for African American children during segregation.
• March 22, 1955: The school and its land were sold to Ebenezer Baptist Church for $100, after the school closed due to consolidation.

Growth and Expansion

• 1958: The church was rebuilt, 29 years after the school was established, to accommodate the growing congregation.
• 1975: A fellowship hall was added to support church and community events.
• 1990 Renovations:
  • Expanded sanctuary
  • Additional Sunday school rooms
  • A modern Pastor’s Study with a private bathroom
  • Upgraded restroom facilities for both men and women

Spiritual Revitalización and Youth Engagement

• Under the leadership of Reverend Kelly Simmons, the church underwent a transformation:
  • Reorganization of services, ministries, and auxiliaries
  • Formation of a dedicated Youth Church
  • Establishment of Youth Sunday (4th Sunday of each month)
  • Recognition of senior members on 5th Sundays

Ministers of the Ebenezer Baptist Church from 1888-2026

1888-1904 | Pastor Unknown
1904-1934 | Reverend R. Dennis Glenn
1935-1936 | Reverend T. B. Williams
1936-1954 | Reverend W. H. Seigler
1954-1975 | Reverend W. J. Owens
1976-1977 | Reverend E. J. Davis
1977-2008 | Pastor Kelly Simmons Jr.
2010-2012 | Reverend Patrick J. Harrison
2015-2022 | Reverend Derrick Gambrell
2024-Present | Reverend Dr. Ernest E. Mackins, GCDF

Reverend Dr. Ernest E. Mackins preached his first sermon as Pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church on October 6, 2024. During this time, Pastor Mackins oversaw the restoration of the ladies’ bathroom in the front of the church and the restoration of the sound system within the church. Pastor Mackins was officially installed as the church pastor on May 18, 2025. Since this time, Pastor Mackins has worked closely with the church to have the parking lot resealed and repainted. In January of 2026, Pastor Mackins helped pay for and install the new church sign out front because the sign is part of the Ministry of the Kingdom of God. Pastor Mackins manages the new church website and pays for it. Pastor Mackins looks forward to continuing to build upon God’s work centered around unity.

Current Deacons of the Ebenezer Baptist Church

Deacon Joktan Bolden, CHAIRMAN
Deacon Joe N. Scott
Deacon Johnny Rogers
Deacon Leroy Garrison

Past Deacons: Deacon Greg Chandler

Histories are written by the people who live them and recorded by those who wish to learn from the experiences of their forbearers and the legacy they have inherited. We, the members of Ebenezer Baptist Church in our 138th year, can take comfort in the knowledge that ours is a rich tradition, made so by the faith, determination, courage, character, and love of those who passed this way since 1888. While Ebenezer has undoubtedly had its tedious times and moments of contention, the Lord has never left its side, and it stands today in this community as a monument to what the will of God can do when His people accept it and follow His pathway.

Legacy

Ebenezer Baptist Church stands as a testament to enduring faith, education, and community unity. From a simple brush arbor to a vibrant, fully equipped church, Ebenezer has played a foundational role in the spiritual and social life of its members and the broader Anderson County community.