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The Sunday school was organized on April 14, 1876 with a blessed enrollment of six persons: Rev. R. Henry Marshall, brothers Ishman A. Carter and Andrew Carter, Bessie Foster and two children.
The church and Sunday School were organized in the church home of the Fourth Avenue Baptist Church, presently known as the First Baptist Church, Oakland, Pennsylvania.
In 1881, the congregation moved to Prince Hall and remained there for one year.
The membership accepted the name of EBENEZER, which means, “Stone Of Help”. 1 Samuel 7:12 “Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.”.
On February 27, 1884, Rev. John Pryor was installed as pastor of Ebenezer.
Rev. Pryor served for six years, increasing the membership from sixty to three hundred fifty. He believed in open communion, but some members protested.
Due to the irreconcilable difference, Rev. Pryor resigned from Ebenezer and organized Central Baptist Church, taking three hundred Ebenezer members with him.
Rev. B. S. Jones was installed as pastor on February 10, 1892.
Rev. Jones’ primary focus was to preach the word of God. This lead to an increase in membership from fifty to three hundred twenty-five members during his time as pastor.
Additionally, Rev. Jones conducted a building fund drive and raised three thousand dollars. An additional amount of fifteen thousand dollars was raised for a mortgage on the old property. With these funds, the congregation built a brick building on the corner of Colwell and Miller Streets at a cost of twenty-eight thousand dollars. The dedication was held on May 15, 1895.
Rev. Jones resigned as pastor in June of 1896.
Rev. J. Gardner Ross was instated for the pastoral role by his predecessor Rev. Howard.
Rev. Ross was from Jacksonville, Florida and was noted to be very conservative in his dealings with the congregation.
During his pastorate, the church purchased the first parsonage at 105 Roberts Street.
Rev. Ross’term lasted one year.
Rev. J. C. Austin, from Mount Zion Baptist Church in Stauton, Virginia, was installed as pastor in March of 1915.
During this time, the steel mills and industrial plants flourished and people, especially Southerners, were attracted to Pittsburgh. Rev. Austin accepted the challenge and opportunity to increase church membership due to his creative preaching and civic leadership.
He added hundreds to church rolls and the membership steadily increased to over two thousand members. Mother Lillian Armstrong, Deaconess (deceased in July of 2007) would often attest to the size of the Membership during the pastorate of Rev. Austin.
The church paid off a mortgage of forty-three thousand dollars, which Rev. Austin found upon his arrival; in addition, he bought and paid for thirty-one thousand dollars of additional property. The property included the remainder of the property adjoining the church on the block facing Wylie Avenue from Devilliers to Davenport Street.
The People’s Gospel Tabernacle was built at a cost of thirty-two thousand dollars on the church’s lots at Addison and Heman Streets. This building seated 2,500 and accommodated the large crowds that attended revivals and special services conducted by Ebenezer.
Rev. Austin also was responsible for securing the Mother’s Rest and the Gospel Wagon. The Mother’s Rest was a home for the care of aged women. The Gospel Wagon was a bus used to bring aged men and women to church services and children to Sunday school. It was also used when members sang the gospel on street corners.
Rev. J. C. Austin resigned in January of 1926. His farewell to Ebenezer was entitled. ‘The Hour is Come’.
“And thou has honorable assumed these names,–Good, Modest, True, Rational, Equal-Minded, Magnanimous-” Unknown
Rev. Robert Johnson, Assistant to the Pastor, Dr. T. J. King, served as Acting Pastor until a new pastor was called.
The joint-boards worked together and led the church in prayer and fellowship accepting the theme: ‘Unity and Devine Guidance in the selection of Our New Minister.’
The mid-week prayer service increased in attendance. All regular church services were well attended, and the financial support remained steady.
Rev. Robert Johnson, Assistant to the Pastor, Dr. T. J. King, served as Acting Pastor until a new pastor was called.
On March 13, 2004 an electrical fire broke out in the basement of Ebenezer Baptist Church. The flames rapidly turned into a devastating fire, destroying the entire building and taking the lives of Battalion Chief Charles Brace and Master Firefighter Richard Stefanakis.
To this present day, Ebenezer honors their memory near the entrance of Ebenezer which holds memories and tributes to the fallen firefighters including their boots, oxygen tanks, fire axes, and helmets, which were donated by the families.
Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
On August 3, 2013, The Historic Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania extended a pastoral call to The Rev. Dr. Vincent K. Campbell.
Pastor Campbell is a gifted preacher, teacher, and administrator. Pastor Campbell is a man of God who loves and enjoys spending time with his wife and five children, reading, and writing.
Dr. Campbell’s imagery of ministry is a testimony of simply being a chosen vessel called by God, used by the Holy Spirit through the power of Jesus Christ to draw men, women, and children to God (Acts 9:15 -16).
Dr. Campbell is a high-energy preacher of the social gospel which matches well with the high energy worship services of Ebenezer. God has truly anointed Dr. Campbell with many spiritual gifts including discernment, wisdom, and deliverance.
His inspirational preaching and dynamic teaching have ignited a wave of members returning to Ebenezer along with well over 200 new members all within the first 2 years of his pastorate.
Pastor Campbell has also brought about a dramatic increase in weekly Bible Study which created the demand for a second weekly Bible Study.
In 2014, Pastor Campbell revealed a Church Transition Plan for Ebenezer, and during a 3 Day Deacon Ministry Retreat at Antiochian Village near Ligonier the New Pastoral Vision was unanimously endorsed by the Official Board. The Joint Board of Ebenezer Baptist Church has joined with Pastor Campbell to launch a Ministry Partners Campaign to support the creation of over 50 new ministries. The vision will provide resources and opportunities to our members and community through ministries such as: Toddler Care, Children and Youth, Family Life, Marriage Counseling, Health & Wellness Programs, Financial Empowerment, Young Scholars Programs, a Parent & Child Learning Center, Lifestyle Evangelism, Deliverance Ministries, Disaster Relief, and a Community Food Pantry, along with other Community Outreach services.
Dr. Campbell hit the ground running and has become an active leader in our Community. He currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Hill District Minister’s Alliance (HDMA), a group of pastors and ministry leaders who meet on a regular basis to coordinate support for new and ongoing community initiatives.
Dr. Campbell’s ongoing commitment to ensuring adequate resources and programs for educating youth led him to accept the position of Co-Chair of the Hill District Education Council (HDEC).
Since his arrival at Ebenezer in September 2013, Dr. Campbell has served as a panelist for the African-American Gubernatorial Candidates forum sponsored by over 10 different Black political, service, religious and economic organizations; and participated in several prestigious events including the African American Heritage Day Parade, African American Chamber of Commerce of Western PA Annual Business Luncheon, and Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Dedication Ceremony. Dr. Campbell has also been a vocal and visible member of the Lower Hill Working Group, supporter of the Hill District CDC, and Thelma Lovette YMCA.
Dr. Campbell graduated with honors from American Baptist College and earned his Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University Divinity School. While at Vanderbilt he completed the program in Black Church Studies of the Kelly Miller Smith Institute. He later earned the Doctor of Ministry Degree at Morehouse School of Religion (ITC) in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Campbell is the recipient of numerous honors, awards, and recognitions. He is married to Jamie Campbell. They are the blessed parents of six children.
Historian Dr. John F. Hedenburg states that Ebenezer was organized by the Rev. R. Henry Marshall in the parlor of the Fourth Avenue Baptist Church in June of 1875. The greater portion of the money that paid the expenses of the Ebenezer Baptist Church was given by the Fourth Avenue Baptist Bible School, then under Superintendent, The Honorable H. K. Porter. (Hedenburg)
The Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, located on the corners of Wylie Avenue, Devillers, and Davenport Streets, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania was officially established on August 10, 1875.
FOUNDING MEMBERS:
Pastor: Rev. R. Henry Marshall
Charter members: Isham A. Carter, Madison Epps, Paul Cableton, Zonway Jackson, John Evans, John Rickman, George Kendall, Eliza Fisher, P. Cableton, and Mary A. Kendall.
Deacons: Joseph Ford, Madison Epps, John Evans, Zonway Jackson, and E. D. Carr.
Trustees: Wesley S. Johnson, Peter Gordon, Madison Epps, Samuel Smithe, and Issac Morton.
The congregation remained at Fourth Avenue Baptist Church for eight months, then moved to a building on Forbes Street near Miltenberger. During the stay on Forbes Street, the church was received into the fellowship of the regular Missionary Baptist Churches.
In 1882, Rev. Marshall led the congregation to the Fifth Avenue Bank building. While occupying this space, the church purchased four lots for one thousand dollars. A carpenter by trade, Rev. Marshall built the first church building in Western Pennsylvania owned by colored Baptist.
Rev. Marshall resigned from the pastorate role of Ebenezer in 1883.
Rev. Samuel Smith served as Supply Pastor for seven months during 1891. Only fifty members remained on the church roster at that time.
Rev. George B. Howard, from Charleston, West Virginia, was installed in October of 1896.
Rev. Howard was considered by many to be a ‘finely cultured, Christian minister and a capable pastor’.
He served for four years, baptizing two-hundred-fifty souls increasing the membership to six hundred.
During his term, the Church debt was reduced from twenty-three thousand dollars to twelve thousand dollars.
Rev. Howard resigned on November 25, 1900.
Dr. W. W. Brown, from Roanoke, Virginia, was installed as pastor in June of 1902.
The church mortgage was burned in 1908.
During his pastorate, the church became educationally grounded and aided many young people through school, adopting the Virginia Seminary in Lynchburg, Virginia as its star educational endeavor.
Foreign Mission became an intricate part of Ebenezer sending Rev. James E. East, the only convert of a revival during the pastorate of Rev. Howard, to the Foreign Mission field. Rev. East was sent to Middle Drift, South Africa under the National Baptist Foreign Mission Board. (“A Brief History”). Ebenezer was the first Negro Baptist Church in America to pay the salary of a Missionary to any foreign field.
The James E. East Missionary Society was named after Rev. East. This group was led by Mrs. Georgianna Fitzgerald, one of Ebenezer’s finest Christian women.
The church purchased the property on Wylie Avenue ( first location of Ebenezer on Wylie Ave. / ref 2004) from the Tenth United Presbyterian Church for a cost of thirty-six thousand dollars.
The colored branch of the YMCA was born of the men’s bible class of Ebenezer Baptist Church during the administration of Rev. Brown.
Another contribution of Christian service was offered to the Beulah Baptist Church during a period of financial difficulties. Ebenezer saved this church’s properties by assuming its mortgage of twenty-five hundred dollars.
Rev. W. W. Brown resigned in 1914 after serving as pastor for twelve years. The membership under Rev. Brown increased from seven hundred seventy-two to fifteen hundred.
Rev. T. J. King came to Pittsburgh from the Fifth Street Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia, and was instated on August 30, 1926.
He had completed a new church, said to be one of the finest in the country at that time costing one hundred fifty thousand dollars.
Rev. King was a very serious-minded pastor, who responded immediately to the call of duty at Ebenezer.
Rev. King began planning the rebuilding of Ebenezer. By 1931, he led the congregation into a completely rebuilt and refurnished church consisting of a sanctuary with a capacity for twelve hundred fifty persons, a lecture room located on the first level seating six hundred fifty, and sixteen other rooms, which included a shower bath. The cost was more than one hundred thousand dollars. The mortgage on the building program was burned on September 16, 1945.
A parsonage was purchased for Ebenezer’s first family at the cost of ten thousand dollars.
Rev. King organized the church into departments: Missions, Religious Education, Evangelism, Music, Physical Education, Finance, and Social Services. Directors were appointed in each department, and a budget system existed for all finances. The church had a full-time bookkeeper and a financial secretary.
The annual registration of members did not fall under 2,000 and Junior Church had a membership of over two hundred youth under fifteen years of age. Ebenezer’s Junior Church was always filled with young people.
On October 18, 1945, W. H. R. Powell stated that King was, “a great and poetic preacher; a successful soul winner; a superior president; an unusual organizer, an outstanding leader in missions and Christian Education; a rare pastor; a warm and dependable friend, a fearless champion of righteousness and civic justice; and a church builder with few if any equals.”
The church maintained its status as one of the leaders of the Baptist denomination in its support of home and foreign mission throughout the years of depression and with a large indebtedness from the rebuilding program.
Rev. King served in the following capacities: Allegheny County Board of Religious Education, Board of Control Pennsylvania State Prison, National Reform Association, Tuberculosis League, Society of Catholics, Jew and Protestants, President of The Pittsburgh Ministerial Conference, Corresponding Secretary of The New England Baptist Convention, Trustee of The Virginia Theological Seminary and College (32 years) and The National Baptist Foreign Mission Board for twenty-five years.
Rev. King was married to the former Susie Ann Wright of Woodford, Virginia. Four children were born to this union: Thomas Jefferson King, Jr., Montgomery Wordsworth King, Helen Gould King, and Gregory Clisson King.
Rev. King died during a vacation in New York on Wednesday, February 23, 1949.
Rev. James B. Cayce from Hamilton, Ohio, was installed as pastor by his father, Dr. Paul C. Cayce, on Sunday, June 4, 1950. At the time, Dr. Paul C. Cayce, was pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky.
Under the leadership of Rev. Cayce, Ebenezer grew spiritually, numerically, and financially. During the first year of his pastorate, extensive repairs were made. The Sanctuary and Lecture Room (located on the first floor) were redecorated; the pastors’ study, which was relocated on the first floor, was newly furnished. New lower level lounges were remodeled for men and women and a new choir room was created.
Repairs were also made in the Community Center building. Floodlights were installed in the front of the church and six beautiful new main entrance doors with decorative wrought iron hinges replaced the old doors. The above repairs and additions cost more than two hundred thousand dollars.
On May 16, 1965, an elevator was dedicated at a cost of thirty-four thousand dollars.
A new parsonage was purchased in September 1967 at a cost of thirty-nine thousand five hundred dollars.
In addition, auxiliaries were added during this time including a Youth Usher Board, Youth Fellowship Council, Young Adult Fellowship Council, Semper Fidelis Club, and the Mr. and Mrs. Club.
Ebenezer in conjunction with Hill House Association and the Mayor’s Committee opened the Hill Rehabilitation Center in the Ebenezer Educational Center. This was an adult care program, geared to rehabilitate and care for adults who needed assistance. One hot meal was provided daily and health assistance was provided by Mercy Hospital.
In the early seventies, Deacon Willie T. Briscoe, introduced a gentleman by the name of Mr. William (Bill) Johnson, an employee of Urban Housing and Development HUD) to Rev. Cayce. Mr. Johnson shared with Deacon Briscoe the idea of monies for senior housing. Rev. Cayce conceived and selected the first committee to develop the project to provide housing for an elderly population noting that Ebenezer Baptist Church should sponsor housing for the elderly. Mr. James Wofford was selected to head this committee. After Rev. Cayce’s death, Mr. Johnson continued to meet with various officers of the church as well as Mr. Wofford to discuss the idea; however, little was accomplished.
Rev. Cayce’s friendly disposition, program planning, and leadership in civic and religious affairs gained him a special place in the hearts of his congregation and the city of Pittsburgh.
The membership numbered over two thousand, and the foreign mission donations increased to over one thousand dollars, which placed Ebenezer in the A-plus Class as designated by the National Baptist Convention.
Rev. Cayce held leadership positions on the local, state, and national levels.
Rev. Cayce was married to Mary Ruth Smith Cayce. She passed in 1962 at the age of 45 years old. Rev. Cayce later married Marilyn Cayce on July 26, 1964. They were the proud parents of one son, James Cayce Jr.
Pastor Cayce passed away in October of 1971.
Rev. J. Van Alfred Winsett accepted the pastorate of Ebenezer Baptist Church in 1973. He was the former pastor of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Beloit, Wisconsin.
Rev. Winsett continued previously instituted programs while stimulating the hearts of the congregation.
After the fire, Ebenezer was renovated at a cost of one-hundred-fifty-thousand dollars and reopened in 2006. The new church building Wylie Ave and remains there to the present day: 2001 Wylie Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
An educational building was constructed and the scholarship program was reinstated.
The following programs and ministries were instituted at Ebenezer: An orphanage in Haiti, an 8am worship service, a sign ministry, mime ministry, drama ministry, a street ministry, a weekly radio ministry to serve persons in Pennsylvania and Ohio, and a television ministry for residents in the Pittsburgh area.
Rev.Winsett had fifty-one ministers under his administration. He served as Dean of Students for the American Baptist College, Liaison for the National and German Conventions, Assistant Director of the Department of Theology, National Baptist Congress of Christian Education, and President of the Pennsylvania Baptist State Convention.
Rev.Winsett also served many years on the mission fields of South Africa traveling to and from Liberia. He is listed in Who’s Who Among Professionals and Executives and was cited for outstanding service by former President James Carter.
Pastor Winsett retired from the pastorate of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in May 2012. He delivered his final sermon entitled, ”It Ain’t Over, Till It’s Over,” Ephesians 6: 9 and 10, on Sunday, May 6, 2012.
Rev. Winsett is married to Lady Jacqueline O. Winsett. They are the parents of four children: Marie Winsett Ruple, John Andrew Winsett, Lisa Jo Winsett, and Delicha Lattaker.
An evening retirement celebration, “A Man Named Winsett,” was held on May 20, 2012 at the Churchill Valley Country Club honoring Pastor’s Winsett’s thirty-nine years of service to Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Historian Dr. John F. Hedenburg states that Ebenezer was organized by the Rev. R. Henry Marshall in the parlor of the Fourth Avenue Baptist Church in June of 1875. The greater portion of the money that paid the expenses of the Ebenezer Baptist Church was given by the Fourth Avenue Baptist Bible School, then under Superintendent, The Honorable H. K. Porter. (Hedenburg)
The Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, located on the corners of Wylie Avenue, Devillers, and Davenport Streets, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania was officially established on August 10, 1875.
FOUNDING MEMBERS:
Pastor: Rev. R. Henry Marshall
Charter members: Isham A. Carter, Madison Epps, Paul Cableton, Zonway Jackson, John Evans, John Rickman, George Kendall, Eliza Fisher, P. Cableton, and Mary A. Kendall.
Deacons: Joseph Ford, Madison Epps, John Evans, Zonway Jackson, and E. D. Carr.
Trustees: Wesley S. Johnson, Peter Gordon, Madison Epps, Samuel Smithe, and Issac Morton.
The congregation remained at Fourth Avenue Baptist Church for eight months, then moved to a building on Forbes Street near Miltenberger. During the stay on Forbes Street, the church was received into the fellowship of the regular Missionary Baptist Churches.
The Sunday school was organized on April 14, 1876 with a blessed enrollment of six persons: Rev. R. Henry Marshall, brothers Ishman A. Carter and Andrew Carter, Bessie Foster and two children. The church and Sunday School were organized in the church home of the Fourth Avenue Baptist Church, presently known as the First Baptist Church, Oakland, Pennsylvania.
In 1881, the congregation moved to Prince Hall and remained there for one year.
The membership accepted the name of EBENEZER, which means, “Stone Of Help”. 1 Samuel 7:12 “Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.”.
In 1882, Rev. Marshall led the congregation to the Fifth Avenue Bank building. While occupying this space, the church purchased four lots for one thousand dollars. A carpenter by trade, Rev. Marshall built the first church building in Western Pennsylvania owned by colored Baptist.
Rev. Marshall resigned from the pastorate role of Ebenezer in 1883.
On February 27, 1884, Rev. John Pryor was installed as pastor of Ebenezer.
Rev. Pryor served for six years, increasing the membership from sixty to three hundred fifty. He believed in open communion, but some members protested.
Due to the irreconcilable difference, Rev. Pryor resigned from Ebenezer and organized Central Baptist Church, taking three hundred Ebenezer members with him.
Rev. B. S. Jones was installed as pastor on February 10, 1892.
Rev. Jones primary focus was to preach the word of God. This lead to an increase in membership from fifty to three hundred twenty-five members during his time as pastor.
Additionally, Rev. Jones conducted a building fund drive and raised three thousand dollars. An additional amount of fifteen thousand dollars was raised for a mortgage on the old property. With these funds, the congregation built a brick building on the corner of Colwell and Miller Streets at a cost of twenty-eight thousand dollars. The dedication was held on May 15, 1895.
Rev. Jones resigned as pastor in June of 1896.
Rev. George B. Howard, from Charleston, West Virginia, was installed in October of 1896.
Rev. Howard was considered by many to be a ‘finely cultured, Christian minister and a capable pastor’.
He served for four years, baptizing two-hundred-fifty souls increasing the membership to six hundred.
During his term, the Church debt was reduced from twenty-three thousand dollars to twelve thousand dollars.
Rev. Howard resigned on November 25, 1900.
Rev. J. Gardner Ross was instated for the pastoral role by his predecessor Rev. Howard.
Rev. Ross was from Jacksonville, Florida and was noted to be very conservative in his dealings with the congregation.
During his pastorate, the church purchased the first parsonage at 105 Roberts Street.
Rev. Ross’term lasted one year.
Dr. W. W. Brown, from Roanoke, Virginia, was installed as pastor in June of 1902.
The church mortgage was burned in 1908.
During his pastorate, the church became educationally grounded and aided many young people through school, adopting the Virginia Seminary in Lynchburg, Virginia as its star educational endeavor.
Foreign Mission became an intricate part of Ebenezer sending Rev. James E. East, the only convert of a revival during the pastorate of Rev. Howard, to the Foreign Mission field. Rev. East was sent to Middle Drift, South Africa under the National Baptist Foreign Mission Board. (“A Brief History”). Ebenezer was the first Negro Baptist Church in America to pay the salary of a Missionary to any foreign field.
The James E. East Missionary Society was named after Rev. East. This group was led by Mrs. Georgianna Fitzgerald, one of Ebenezer’s finest Christian women.
The church purchased the property on Wylie Avenue ( first location of Ebenezer on Wylie Ave. / ref 2004) from the Tenth United Presbyterian Church for a cost of thirty-six thousand dollars.
The colored branch of the YMCA was born of the men’s bible class of Ebenezer Baptist Church during the administration of Rev. Brown.
Another contribution of Christian service was offered to the Beulah Baptist Church during a period of financial difficulties. Ebenezer saved this church’s properties by assuming its mortgage of twenty-five hundred dollars.
Rev. W. W. Brown resigned in 1914 after serving as pastor for twelve years. The membership under Rev. Brown increased from seven hundred seventy-two to fifteen hundred.
Rev. J. C. Austin, from Mount Zion Baptist Church in Stauton, Virginia, was installed as pastor in March of 1915.
During this time, the steel mills and industrial plants flourished and people, especially Southerners, were attracted to Pittsburgh. Rev. Austin accepted the challenge and opportunity to increase church membership due to his creative preaching and civic leadership.
He added hundreds to church rolls and the membership steadily increased to over two thousand members. Mother Lillian Armstrong, Deaconess (deceased in July of 2007) would often attest to the size of the Membership during the pastorate of Rev. Austin.
The church paid off a mortgage of forty-three thousand dollars, which Rev. Austin found upon his arrival; in addition, he bought and paid for thirty-one thousand dollars of additional property. The property included the remainder of the property adjoining the church on the block facing Wylie Avenue from Devilliers to Davenport Street.
The People’s Gospel Tabernacle was built at a cost of thirty-two thousand dollars on the church’s lots at Addison and Heman Streets. This building seated 2,500 and accommodated the large crowds that attended revivals and special services conducted by Ebenezer.
Rev. Austin also was responsible for securing the Mother’s Rest and the Gospel Wagon. The Mother’s Rest was a home for the care of aged women. The Gospel Wagon was a bus used to bring aged men and women to church services and children to Sunday school. It was also used when members sang the gospel on street corners.
Rev. J. C. Austin resigned in January of 1926. His farewell to Ebenezer was entitled. ‘The Hour is Come’.
“And thou has honorable assumed these names,–Good, Modest, True, Rational, Equal-Minded, Magnanimous-” Unknown
Rev. T. J. King came to Pittsburgh from the Fifth Street Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia, and was instated on August 30, 1926.
He had completed a new church, said to be one of the finest in the country at that time costing one hundred fifty thousand dollars.
Rev. King was a very serious-minded pastor, who responded immediately to the call of duty at Ebenezer.
Rev. King began planning the rebuilding of Ebenezer. By 1931, he led the congregation into a completely rebuilt and refurnished church consisting of a sanctuary with a capacity for twelve hundred fifty persons, a lecture room located on the first level seating six hundred fifty, and sixteen other rooms, which included a shower bath. The cost was more than one hundred thousand dollars. The mortgage on the building program was burned on September 16, 1945.
A parsonage was purchased for Ebenezer’s first family at the cost of ten thousand dollars.
Rev. King organized the church into departments: Missions, Religious Education, Evangelism, Music, Physical Education, Finance, and Social Services. Directors were appointed in each department, and a budget system existed for all finances. The church had a full-time bookkeeper and a financial secretary.
The annual registration of members did not fall under 2,000 and Junior Church had a membership of over two hundred youth under fifteen years of age. Ebenezer’s Junior Church was always filled with young people.
On October 18, 1945, W. H. R. Powell stated that King was, “a great and poetic preacher; a successful soul winner; a superior president; an unusual organizer, an outstanding leader in missions and Christian Education; a rare pastor; a warm and dependable friend, a fearless champion of righteousness and civic justice; and a church builder with few if any equals.”
The church maintained its status as one of the leaders of the Baptist denomination in its support of home and foreign mission throughout the years of depression and with a large indebtedness from the rebuilding program.
Rev. King served in the following capacities: Allegheny County Board of Religious Education, Board of Control Pennsylvania State Prison, National Reform Association, Tuberculosis League, Society of Catholics, Jew and Protestants, President of The Pittsburgh Ministerial Conference, Corresponding Secretary of The New England Baptist Convention, Trustee of The Virginia Theological Seminary and College (32 years) and The National Baptist Foreign Mission Board for twenty-five years.
Rev. King was married to the former Susie Ann Wright of Woodford, Virginia. Four children were born to this union: Thomas Jefferson King, Jr., Montgomery Wordsworth King, Helen Gould King, and Gregory Clisson King.
Rev. King died during a vacation in New York on Wednesday, February 23, 1949.
Rev. Robert Johnson, Assistant to the Pastor, Dr. T. J. King, served as Acting Pastor until a new pastor was called.
The joint-boards worked together and led the church in prayer and fellowship accepting the theme: ‘Unity and Devine Guidance in the selection of Our New Minister.’
The mid-week prayer service increased in attendance. All regular church services were well attended, and the financial support remained steady.
Rev. James B. Cayce from Hamilton, Ohio, was installed as pastor by his father, Dr. Paul C. Cayce, on Sunday, June 4, 1950. At the time, Dr. Paul C. Cayce, was pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky.
Under the leadership of Rev. Cayce, Ebenezer grew spiritually, numerically, and financially. During the first year of his pastorate, extensive repairs were made. The Sanctuary and Lecture Room (located on the first floor) were redecorated; the pastors’ study, which was relocated on the first floor, was newly furnished. New lower level lounges were remodeled for men and women and a new choir room was created.
Repairs were also made in the Community Center building. Floodlights were installed in the front of the church and six beautiful new main entrance doors with decorative wrought iron hinges replaced the old doors. The above repairs and additions cost more than two hundred thousand dollars.
On May 16, 1965, an elevator was dedicated at a cost of thirty-four thousand dollars.
A new parsonage was purchased in September 1967 at a cost of thirty-nine thousand five hundred dollars.
In addition, auxiliaries were added during this time including a Youth Usher Board, Youth Fellowship Council, Young Adult Fellowship Council, Semper Fidelis Club, and the Mr. and Mrs. Club.
Ebenezer in conjunction with Hill House Association and the Mayor’s Committee opened the Hill Rehabilitation Center in the Ebenezer Educational Center. This was an adult care program, geared to rehabilitate and care for adults who needed assistance. One hot meal was provided daily and health assistance was provided by Mercy Hospital.
In the early seventies, Deacon Willie T. Briscoe, introduced a gentleman by the name of Mr. William (Bill) Johnson, an employee of Urban Housing and Development HUD) to Rev. Cayce. Mr. Johnson shared with Deacon Briscoe the idea of monies for senior housing. Rev. Cayce conceived and selected the first committee to develop the project to provide housing for an elderly population noting that Ebenezer Baptist Church should sponsor housing for the elderly. Mr. James Wofford was selected to head this committee. After Rev. Cayce’s death, Mr. Johnson continued to meet with various officers of the church as well as Mr. Wofford to discuss the idea; however, little was accomplished.
Rev. Cayce’s friendly disposition, program planning, and leadership in civic and religious affairs gained him a special place in the hearts of his congregation and the city of Pittsburgh.
The membership numbered over two thousand, and the foreign mission donations increased to over one thousand dollars, which placed Ebenezer in the A-plus Class as designated by the National Baptist Convention.
Rev. Cayce held leadership positions on the local, state, and national levels.
Rev. Cayce was married to Mary Ruth Smith Cayce. She passed in 1962 at the age of 45 years old. Rev. Cayce later married Marilyn Cayce on July 26, 1964. They were the proud parents of one son, James Cayce Jr.
Pastor Cayce passed away in October of 1971.
Rev. Robert Johnson, Assistant to the Pastor, Dr. T. J. King, served as Acting Pastor until a new pastor was called.
Rev. J. Van Alfred Winsett accepted the pastorate of Ebenezer Baptist Church in 1973. He was the former pastor of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Beloit, Wisconsin.
Rev. Winsett continued previously instituted programs while stimulating the hearts of the congregation.
On March 13, 2004 an electrical fire broke out in the basement of Ebenezer Baptist Church. The flames rapidly turned into a devastating fire, destroying the entire building and taking the lives of Battalion Chief Charles Brace and Master Firefighter Richard Stefanakis.
To this present day, Ebenezer honors their memory near the entrance of Ebenezer which holds memories and tributes to the fallen firefighters including their boots, oxygen tanks, fire axes, and helmets, which were donated by the families.
Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
After the fire, Ebenezer was renovated at a cost of one-hundred-fifty-thousand dollars and reopened in 2006. The new church building Wylie Ave and remains there to the present day: 2001 Wylie Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
An educational building was constructed and the scholarship program was reinstated.
The following programs and ministries were instituted at Ebenezer: An orphanage in Haiti, an 8am worship service, a sign ministry, mime ministry, drama ministry, a street ministry, a weekly radio ministry to serve persons in Pennsylvania and Ohio, and a television ministry for residents in the Pittsburgh area.
Rev.Winsett had fifty-one ministers under his administration. He served as Dean of Students for the American Baptist College, Liaison for the National and German Conventions, Assistant Director of the Department of Theology, National Baptist Congress of Christian Education, and President of the Pennsylvania Baptist State Convention.
Rev.Winsett also served many years on the mission fields of South Africa traveling to and from Liberia. He is listed in Who’s Who Among Professionals and Executives and was cited for outstanding service by former President James Carter.
Pastor Winsett retired from the pastorate of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in May 2012. He delivered his final sermon entitled, ”It Ain’t Over, Till It’s Over,” Ephesians 6: 9 and 10, on Sunday, May 6, 2012.
Rev. Winsett is married to Lady Jacqueline O. Winsett. They are the parents of four children: Marie Winsett Ruple, John Andrew Winsett, Lisa Jo Winsett, and Delicha Lattaker.
An evening retirement celebration, “A Man Named Winsett,” was held on May 20, 2012 at the Churchill Valley Country Club honoring Pastor’s Winsett’s thirty-nine years of service to Ebenezer Baptist Church.
On August 3, 2013, The Historic Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania extended a pastoral call to The Rev. Dr. Vincent K. Campbell.
Pastor Campbell is a gifted preacher, teacher, and administrator. Pastor Campbell is a man of God who loves and enjoys spending time with his wife and five children, reading, and writing.
Dr. Campbell’s imagery of ministry is a testimony of simply being a chosen vessel called by God, used by the Holy Spirit through the power of Jesus Christ to draw men, women, and children to God (Acts 9:15 -16).
Dr. Campbell is a high-energy preacher of the social gospel which matches well with the high energy worship services of Ebenezer. God has truly anointed Dr. Campbell with many spiritual gifts including discernment, wisdom, and deliverance.
His inspirational preaching and dynamic teaching have ignited a wave of members returning to Ebenezer along with well over 200 new members all within the first 2 years of his pastorate.
Pastor Campbell has also brought about a dramatic increase in weekly Bible Study which created the demand for a second weekly Bible Study.
In 2014, Pastor Campbell revealed a Church Transition Plan for Ebenezer, and during a 3 Day Deacon Ministry Retreat at Antiochian Village near Ligonier the New Pastoral Vision was unanimously endorsed by the Official Board. The Joint Board of Ebenezer Baptist Church has joined with Pastor Campbell to launch a Ministry Partners Campaign to support the creation of over 50 new ministries. The vision will provide resources and opportunities to our members and community through ministries such as: Toddler Care, Children and Youth, Family Life, Marriage Counseling, Health & Wellness Programs, Financial Empowerment, Young Scholars Programs, a Parent & Child Learning Center, Lifestyle Evangelism, Deliverance Ministries, Disaster Relief, and a Community Food Pantry, along with other Community Outreach services.
Dr. Campbell hit the ground running and has become an active leader in our Community. He currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Hill District Minister’s Alliance (HDMA), a group of pastors and ministry leaders who meet on a regular basis to coordinate support for new and ongoing community initiatives.
Dr. Campbell’s ongoing commitment to ensuring adequate resources and programs for educating youth led him to accept the position of Co-Chair of the Hill District Education Council (HDEC).
Since his arrival at Ebenezer in September 2013, Dr. Campbell has served as a panelist for the African-American Gubernatorial Candidates forum sponsored by over 10 different Black political, service, religious and economic organizations; and participated in several prestigious events including the African American Heritage Day Parade, African American Chamber of Commerce of Western PA Annual Business Luncheon, and Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Dedication Ceremony. Dr. Campbell has also been a vocal and visible member of the Lower Hill Working Group, supporter of the Hill District CDC, and Thelma Lovette YMCA.
Dr. Campbell graduated with honors from American Baptist College and earned his Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University Divinity School. While at Vanderbilt he completed the program in Black Church Studies of the Kelly Miller Smith Institute. He later earned the Doctor of Ministry Degree at Morehouse School of Religion (ITC) in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Campbell is the recipient of numerous honors, awards, and recognitions. He is married to Jamie Campbell. They are the blessed parents of six children.
The Historic Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church of Pittsburgh is proud of its history spanning over 145 years, but our story is far from over.
Our story has always been about a passion for growth, expansion, and innovation to bring the gospel of Christ to those within our community and across the globe.
The passion that has driven Ebenezer Baptist Church over the years is stronger today than ever before. Through Christ, our story has only just begun.
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Statement of Purpose:
Although trustees are necessary for the effective and efficient operation of a local church body, it is not a biblically created office. Trustees are a mandate of the State whose responsibility is to the physical property of the church.
The Trustees will hold in trust the church property. They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any property without a specific vote of the church authorizing each action. It shall be the function of the trustees to affix their signatures to legal documents involving the sale, mortgage, purchase, or rental of property or other legal documents where the signatures of trustees are required.
The trustees shall be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of all church properties and equipment. When there is a need for repairs, renovations, purchase, or sale of any church property, the trustees shall be the legally constituted body to transact such business upon the authorization of the church, which shall, at all times, be the active members.
The Trustee Ministry is Responsible for ensuring the church building is:
Appointment and Term of Service:
Trustees shall be appointed annually by the Pastor, after consultation with the Deacons Ministry and affirmed by a vote of the church. The number of trustees which shall serve will be determined by the needs of the congregation.
Goals:
Responsibilities:
Our Deacon & Deaconess Ministries share the following responsibilities:
The Associate Ministers Ministry is comprised of women and men who have been called to ministry, licensed and/or ordained clergy. They must demonstrate that they have answered the call to ministry, the call to preparation, and the call to service. Primarily responsible for assisting the Pastor in ministry, the Associate Ministers share their ministry gifts with the body of Christ whenever presented with an opportunity approved by the Senior Pastor.
M.I.T Program
Those discerning a call to ministry and preparing for public acknowledgment and formal licensure into the preaching ministry.
Licensed Ministers
Those who have been licensed after successfully completing all M.I.T documents, classes, training, and evaluations. Ministers licensed by other church congregations will be required to complete abbreviated M.I.T sessions. This level of service will require intense shadowing, mentorship, rotating assignments, pulpit duties, protocol training, and completion of appropriate coursework.
Ordained Ministers
This level of service will lead to specific ministry assignments, leadership duties, and opportunities to utilize one’s ministry gifts.
Associate Ministers and Associate Pastors
A few examples for this level of service would include positions such as Youth Pastor, Administrative Pastor, Director of Christian Education, Pastor of Outreach and Evangelism, etc.
About:
The Ebenezer Baptist Church Mothers Ministry was organized in 2016 under the leadership of Pastor Vincent K. Campbell. Based on I Timothy 5, it is our belief that Church Mothers play a crucial role in the life of the church and society through the ministry of prayer. We further believe that Anna the prophetess, whose life as a widow (church mother) was spent in prayer and fasting (Luke 2), serves as an excellent Biblical role model for any Church Mother who is seeking to answer God’s call to a life devoted to prayer.
Primary Duty and Responsibility:
Our Church Mothers are Private Prayer Warriors whose primary duty and responsibility is to live a life devoted to prayer. They are responsible for keeping the Pastor, Pastor’s Family, and the entire Church Family covered and empowered through intercessory prayer.
Members of our Church Family will be encouraged to share their prayer requests with our Pastor and Church Mothers.
Recognition:
Mother Edith McCallum – Chairwoman
Mother Ella Fletcher – Vice-Chairwoman
Ebenezer continues to worship despite the limitations presented by this pandemic. We are currently engaged with our members and friends during weekly ‘Sunday Gatherings Online’ on Zoom.
Join Our Gathering: https://us02web.zoom.us/EBC
Meeting ID: 574 510 2785
Passcode: 2001
We hope to see you there!
Blessings. Peace.
Vincent K. Campbell
Rev. Dr. Vincent K. Campbell
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Note: If you have already joined the meeting via computer, you will have the option to enter your 2-digit participant ID to be associated with your computer. If you have not joined on your computer, simply press # again when prompted to enter your participant ID.
Ebenezer continues to worship despite the limitations presented by this pandemic. We are currently engaged with our members and friends during weekly ‘Sunday Gatherings Online’ on Zoom .
Join Our Gathering: https://us02web.zoom.us/EBC
Meeting ID: 574 510 2785
Passcode: 2001
We hope to see you there!
Blessings. Peace.
Vincent K. Campbell
Rev. Dr. Vincent K. Campbell
ANDRIOD
iOS
Toggle Content
Note: If you have already joined the meeting via computer, you will have the option to enter your 2-digit participant ID to be associated with your computer. If you have not joined on your computer, simply press # again when prompted to enter your participant ID.
Greetings Ebenezer family and friends.
Ebenezer’s Church Leadership continues to focus our efforts on the reopening of the Ebenezer church building for worship, new community services, and church activities in a manner that is safe and protects the health of members and friends. City, regional, state, and federal government agencies and officials are making progress in their efforts to address the devasting effects and potential harm that are spread as a result of the contagion associated with COVID-19.
ONLINE SUNDAY GATHERINGS: [Learn More]
Ebenezer continues to worship despite the limitations presented by this pandemic. We are currently engaged with our members and friends during weekly ‘Sunday Gatherings Online’. Our plans for weekly Virtual Worship Services are in the works, and we will soon be offering those Worship Services to all. The challenges each of us face, on a daily basis, are unprecedented. Praying together, worshiping together, and continuing our support for one another will help us meet these challenges.
We will remain committed to protecting the health of our members and friends, visitors, and community, and we will continue to pray without ceasing for the health and safety of all.
Blessings. Peace.
Vincent K. Campbell
Rev. Dr. Vincent K. Campbell