Ebenezer AME Church

History

Although information received from a member of the church indicates that it was formed around 1909, a small cornerstone on display in the church yard bears the inscription—"Ebenezer A.M.E. Church 1907, Rev. J. H. Bunday." The property at 708 North Maple Avenue was donated by a white family and contained a small white house which was to be used only for church purposes. The first pastor was Rev. Bowie who traveled to church in a rented horse and buggy. The families attending at that time were the Kings, Bells, Walkers, Hollands, Jacksons, and Stanfields.

In 1920 a fran\me church was built on the site while Rev. Armstrong was pastor, and during his time an organ was purchased. was The church closed for a while but reopened with a Sunday School in full operation under George A. Hardy, Sr. Sunday School teachers were Ms. Winfield Bell, Maude Bell, Edna Holland, and Mrs. Thomas. A fire, due to faulty wiring, caused the church to again close in 1962 during repairs. Rev. Louis Bowie arrived in 1964 and he arranged for a furnace and improvements in the basement to provide kitchen and dining facilities and bathrooms.

On May 12, 1979, a large group of friends and neighbors began an improvement project and, with whites and blacks working together, a sidewalk was laid, the church was painted and new steps were built.

In 1987 an extensive reconstruction program was undertaken with the result that a new church building, almost three times the size of the original structure, was completed and placed in service.

The B&O RR donated a bell to the church.

Media

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