EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH
A Brief Summary of our History
On September 15, 1847, a ship carrying 66 men and women and children docked at Long Wharf in Boston. This group of ex-slaves, led by Rev. Peter Randolph was from the Brandon Plantation in Prince Georges County, Virginia. The journey north to freedom was the promise and departure order in the will of their former slave master Carter H. Edlow. Members of the Boston Anti-Slavery Society, led by William Lloyd Garrison met the newcomers and made them welcome by securing lodging and work for self-support. The group settled in the South End on Ottaway Court not far from the Holy Cross Cathedral.
Group meetings began in the kitchen of Mrs. Martha Jones for song and prayer services. Later, in a hall at 1060 Washington St., the children gathered for Sunday school; in the evenings, adults learned reading, writing and “good citizenship.” The kitchen prayer services became Sunday evening preaching services with Rev. Randolph as our first pastor and founder. Ebenezer Baptist Church was organized and became recognized in October 1871. The church has been Holy Spirit led since its beginning.