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Ebenezer Baptist Church facts for kids

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This page is about the church in Atlanta, Georgia. For other uses, see Ebenezer Baptist Church (disambiguation).
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Ebenezer Baptist Church
Biden at Ebenezer Baptist Church (52635229253).jpg
Service in 2023 in the Horizon Sanctuary (built 1999) with President Biden speaking
33°45′19″N 84°22′27″W / 33.75528°N 84.37417°W / 33.75528; -84.37417
Location Atlanta, Georgia
Country United States
Denomination Baptist
Weekly attendance 6,000
History
Founded 1886

Ebenezer Baptist Church is a large and important Baptist church in Atlanta, Georgia. It is connected to the Progressive National Baptist Convention and American Baptist Churches USA. This church is famous because Dr. Martin Luther King Sr. was a pastor here for many years starting in the 1930s. His son, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a very important leader in the Civil Rights Movement, also served as a co-pastor from 1960 until his death in 1968. Dr. King's brother, A. D. King, was also a co-pastor.

The church has hosted important funerals, including those for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Congressman John Lewis. Today, United States Senator Raphael Warnock has been the senior pastor since 2005. The church's historic building and its newer, larger sanctuary are part of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. This park is a special place that remembers Dr. King's life and work.

History of Ebenezer Baptist Church

How the Church Started

Ebenezer Baptist Church began in 1886. Pastor John A. Parker and eight people founded it on Airline Street. The name "Ebenezer" comes from a story in the Bible. It means "stone of help," reminding people that God helps them.

Growing Stronger

In 1894, Adam Daniel Williams became the pastor. He was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s grandfather. At that time, the church had only 13 members. By 1903, it grew to 400 members. In 1913, the church had 750 people. A new church building was finished in 1922.

In 1927, Martin Luther King Sr. became an assistant pastor. He then became the senior pastor in 1931. In 1960, his son, Martin Luther King Jr., became a co-pastor with him. They served together until Dr. King Jr.'s death in 1968.

New Leadership and Growth

In 1975, Joseph L. Roberts Jr. became the senior pastor. The church continued to grow. In 1999, a new, larger church building was opened. It is called the Horizon Sanctuary and can seat 1,700 people. This new building is also inside the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.

Since 2005, U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock has been the senior pastor. He is the fifth person to lead Ebenezer Baptist Church since it started. In 2020, Reverend Warnock ran for a Senate seat in Georgia. He won the election in January 2021. This made him the first Black senator from Georgia. In December 2022, he was elected to a full six-year term.

Important Events at the Church

Many important events have taken place at Ebenezer Baptist Church. The funeral for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was held here on April 9, 1968. His father, Martin Luther King Sr., also had his funeral at the church in 1984. More recently, the funerals for Rayshard Brooks in June 2020 and Congressman John Lewis in July 2020 were held at the church.

In 2021, the church had 6,000 members.

Pastors of Ebenezer Baptist Church

The leaders of Ebenezer Baptist Church since it was founded are:

  • 1886–1894: The Reverend John A. Parker
  • 1894–1931: The Reverend Adam Daniel Williams
  • 1931–1975: The Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Sr.
  • 1975–2005: The Reverend Joseph L. Roberts Jr.
  • 2005–present: The Honorable Reverend Doctor Raphael Warnock, who became a United States Senator in 2021.

Gallery

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Iglesia Bautista Ebenezer para niños

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