ABOUT US

Free men and slaves living west of Second Street and north of Broad Street founded the Third African Baptist Church in 1857.  In 1858, it was dedicated on  this site as Ebenezer Baptist Church, with a white minister-Rev. William T. Lindsay-as pastor, as required by law.  On May 21, 1865, Rev. Peter Randolph became the first black pastor.  The church made education for blacks one of its chief goals.  It opened the first public school for black children in Richmond in 1866, organized Hartshorn Memorial College for Women in 1883 , and in 1887 help found the Young Men's Christian Association in Richmond.

Ebenezer Baptist Church is a downtown, historic African-American Church, with a heart for mission in the Jackson Ward community and the surrounding communities.  For more than a century and a half, Ebenezer Baptist Church has stood as a beacon making a joyful noise unto to the Lord, and representing the endurance of the human spirit.Our mission efforts extend into the world. Our doors are open to all people.   ALL are WELCOME to join us in worship each Sunday for worship service which begins at 11:00 a.m.

PASTOR LEVY M. ARMWOOD'S VISION FOR EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH

My vision is to maintain the historic site of the Ebenezer Baptist Church and to elevate Ebenezer's presence in the Jackson Ward community. To this end, I will continue to support the acquisition of surrounding properties for future church expansion. The expansion of our church facilities will provide adequate space to accommodate growth in our congregation, church school, youth ministry and community.

The Jackson Ward commuity needs Ebenezer more than ever before.  If we are to the "beacon on the corner" of Leigh and Judah Streets, our community involvment and advocacy efforts must be apparent to those in the community east and west of the church's site. Therefore, my vision includes developing more significant and visible outreach ministries to better reach our neighbors in the Jackson Ward community. It is time to take our church to another level of outreach that exemplifies our motto, "The People's Church".  My vision is to explore and implement ministries and programs which focus on the concerns and needs of our neighbors.

There is a need for a Family Life Center for families and residents in the community as well as members of our congregation. The amenities of this facility will be shared by the congregation and the community. This facility will allow us to provide empowerment programs for young people; AIDS awareness education; substance abuse counseling and education; voter awareness and education; and other priority civic issues, i.e. tutoring and mentoring ministries will be included. In addition, I envision meeting rooms and banquet facilities for use by the church and outside organizations.

My vision is encouraged by my faith and trust in God. My prayer is for the Ebenezer congregation and our beloved community to own this vision and work with me in making it a reality. 

MISSION STATEMENT

We are the redeemed people of God, through Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit to love one another, to becomegood stewards of all His resources and to minister to all humanity in His name.

We aare resolved to achieve this mission and promote the Kingdom of God on earth by an emphasis upon spiritual growth through educational programs and worship; by programs of stewardship development; by the development of church-wide fellowship; and by Christian servanthood through community outreach miistries and evangelism,