Church History

they chose the seclusion of this Plantation to assemble and worship God.

First Ebenezer acknowledges keenly that its history is tied to the history of Georgia. The Church earnestly desires, therefore to preserve and share with all Georgians its heri¬tage and contributions. Unfortunately, some of the information regarding the names of the original leaders and members who organized and led this congregation has not been recovered at this time.

As noted, there is independent evidence of First Ebenezer existence. According to Robert Gardner, Senior Researcher in Baptist History at Mercer University, the 1839/1840-constitution date documented in the 1840 minutes of the Georgia Baptist Association “… is well established” (Letter). On the other hand based on his reviewed finding, Gardner concludes that the traditional 1812 date “…cannot be either proved or disproved” (Letter). Due to possible reasons for the absence of precise documentation, the Church still relies upon it traditional 1812 origin date (Gardner, Letter).

The Church is also pointed out in the book A Lost Arcadia written by Walter A. Clark. The 1909 published book chronicles the early history of Hephzibah, Georgia. Clark notes that Ebe¬nezer Church was “the earliest house of worship erected in this immediate section by the [N]egroes… “(119). The writer continues, “it was organize of eighty or ninety years ago…“(119). “Eighty or ninety years ago” from the book’s 1909 publication date would place First Ebenezer origin date as early as 1819/1829. Nevertheless, 1812 conception date is rooted deeply in the traditional accounts of the congregants. In addition to this rich tradition, independent source document the Church early courageous existence.

It is important also to note that the 1812 oral history date has been incorporated into First Ebenezer written history for decades, thus adding some credence to the date. A sur¬viving 1954 Church program notes the organizational date as “the fourth Sunday in Au¬gust in the year of our Lord 1812.” Senior Church member Tessie Tillman recalls that the Church history was read every fourth Sunday in August since approximately 1935. She recalls also the history was written, in part, by her teacher and fellow Church member Daisy Tweedy.

This key participation by Daisy Tweedy, a well-respected educator, enhances the reli-ability of the compiled history. An Augusta Herald article documents Tweedy as the “Hephzibah, Brandon” teacher (Negro Schools of Augusta”). Brandon School was the segregated school congregant Tessie Tillman attended in the 1930’s.

The faithful founders prayed for a leader. God’s answer was the Reverend Peter Johnson who is recorded as the first spiritual leader and pastor of First Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Reverend Peter Johnson was a dedicated and diligent leader, who was among one of the most powerful pastors in local communities and the state prior to the Civil War. Keeping his focus on God, Reverend Johnson led First Ebenezer to become known as a “dynamic Church.” Dynamic, because he inspired the members to pick-up the sword and dress daily with the full “Armor of God” for the battles of war, slavery, and discrimination. Many souls were added to God’s Kingdom during his leadership.

First Ebenezer Baptist Church received membership and recognition by the predominately white Georgia Baptist Association in 1840. The minutes of the District Association of 1840 reads: “…Received the Ebenezer Church (African) recently constituted in Richmond County, as a constituent member of this body,” (Gardner, Letter: Minutes of Georgia Assoc.) First Ebenezer was the fourth black Church to become apart of the Georgia Baptist Association. Reporting and acting as mediator and minister for First Ebenezer was Brother Isaac Burch. The minutes recorded at that time, 56 listed members in the congregation of First Ebenezer. During its membership, the Church partici¬pated in the association activities. In the association, for instance, “pastors attending the annual meetings were given preaching assignments…”

In addition, Ebenezer sent delegates to some of the association meetings. According to the book A History of the Georgia Baptist Association, the action of sending delegates to “… a meeting in the early 1800s was difficult for anybody, but especially for blacks” (Gardner et al 203). During various years, Ebenezer sent the following representatives: Isaac Burch, , A. W. Rhodes, and J. C . Bryan (Gardner et al 203).

In 1845, Reverend Jacob Walker accepted the responsibility of First Ebenezer Baptist Church. Reverend Walker served faithfully for the next two years as pastor and leader, continuing to stand on the foundation that had been laid

Once again, First Ebenezer prayed for a shepherd, and God blessed by sending Rever-end Kelly Low whom assumed the Pastorship in 1847. At an annual meeting in 1848, in Washington County, a white minister by the name of Charles Mercer Irwin was assigned to share preaching duties with Reverend Low. Reverend Low also pastored Springfield Baptist Church, serving both Churches until his death. The community recognized Reverend Low as a “most outstanding” minister (Gardner et.al., 202)

Reverend Frank Beall accepted the call of First Ebenezer Baptist Church in 1950, serving God and the Church faithfully. At the same time as pastoring at First Ebenezer, he also served at Spirit Creek Baptist Church.

Recorded on Monday, January 7, 1851, God moved on Mr. Absalom A. Rhodes and he sold 1/4 acre of land to the Deacon Board of First Ebenezer for $2.00. The land purchase was a 1/2 from the Rhodes residence. With a meeting place established, the members of First Ebenezer were able to worship God in the open.

Once again, God moved on the heart of Mr. Absalom A. Rhodes and on Tuesday April 6, 1852, he sold 5 2/5 acres to the members of First Ebenezer Baptist Church for $25.00.

According to the 1852 land record, First Ebenezer had a “…Church erected thereon…” the land. The permanence that an actual Church building would have symbolized to an early community is significant. Many communities were without shelter for their congregations (Minutes of Ebenezer Assoc. 10). First Ebenezer’s accomplishment in this area would have conveyed a sense of hope for striving congregations.

On Saturday, October 13, 1866, the Church along with several other African American Churches, separated from the Georgia Association (Gardner et al 268-269). The association noted that the Church was “…all in full fellowship and good standing…” (Gardner et al 268). Letters of recommendation and approval to form another association were issued to form another association. With much prayer and blessings from God, the Ebenezer Baptist Association was formed in 1867 (Gardner et al 268-269).

The newly formed Ebenezer Association was a namesake of Ebenezer Church. This is an indication of the leadership role the Church held among its peer Churches. Ebenezer Association grew in influence, quickly attaining membership Churches throughout the state of Georgia (Gardner et al 260). Also, the Ebenezer Association had four member Churches in South Carolina and one member Church in the Alabama (Gardner et al 269).

The reported growth for First Ebenezer was 77 members in 1850, 111 in 1866 and 256 in 1869. Pastor Frank Beall of First Ebenezer and Spirit Creek was also instrumental in forming the newly emerging Ebenezer Baptist Association in 1866.

From 1865 until 1866, Reverend John C. Bryan was the pastor of First Ebenezer. He was a gifted teacher, anointed preacher, and ministered the Word of God at every opportunity. Reverend Bryan loved God, also loved sharing the Word with people at every chance; he would teach what “Thus said the Lord.”

According to the Ebenezer Association 1867 minutes, Reverend Bryan was an executive board member of the Ebenezer Association (13). He served as a member of the Finance Committee and the Instruction Committee (4 &12). Also, Reverend Bryan was the chairman of the Resolution Committee (11). Reverend Bryan’s leadership heightens Ebenezer Church historical role.

The Ebenezer Association was paramount in forming the Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, the first African-American convention (Gardner et al 269). The Reverend Bryan, a leader grounded in the Ebenezer Church experience, was the president of this convention (Gardner et al 202). To an extent, three modern day organizations are legacies of the historical convention (“Baptist in Georgia”). The Atlanta-based General Missionary Baptist Convention is one such organization (“Baptist in Georgia”). Ebenezer African Church lasting impression upon Georgia Baptist history is amazing.

The Reverend William M. Hampton served as pastor and leader of First Ebenezer from 1867 until 1869. With the Word of God directing his path, Reverend Hampton steered the congregation in an upward direction.

First Ebenezer influenced its community also by supporting the initial calls of noted layperson into the ministry. Early ministers included Alexander Griffin, Lindsey Combs, Josiah Carter, Floyd Graham, Elam Griffin, E.C. Carswell, and Earnest Williams (FEBC Written History). E.C. Carswell, Josiah Carter, and Floyd Graham are documented in the book Black Preachers in Georgia 1884-1921.

Two daughter Churches were established by First Ebenezer Baptist Church in 1879, Second Ebenezer Baptist Church and Spring Grove Baptist Church (FEBC Written History; FEBC Program).

Reverend A. L. Dentnack was an anointed man of God, putting God first and serving First Ebenezer as pastor and spiritual guide. Reverend Dentnack ministered, oversaw, prayed for and with the members of the Church and community, he was a driving force for Christ.

Born in Hephzibah, Reverend Charles T. Walker was an internationally acclaimed minister and community advocate (“Charles T. Walker Heard”; Gallop). Reverend Walker was elected to pastor the Church and he accepted. He loved the Lord and served Him freely. Reverend Walker ministered to the people, instilling in them to seek God in every step of the way. He taught them to glorify, lift up the name of Jesus, to go forth leaning and depending on Him.

First Ebenezer looked to God for a pastor and He heard their prayers, sending the Reverend Gad S. Johnson. Reverend Johnson loved the Lord unconditionally; he was fully committed to serving, followed the commandments and looked to the hills from which cometh his help.

Reverend Josiah Carter was a father figure to the community, leading the Church, as he was lead by the Holy Spirit serving. He represented the pastor who anchored First Ebenezer past to its present. For instance, senior congregant Tessie Tillman remembers hearing that Pastor Carter baptized mother, Harriett Cogel. Reverend Carter loved the Lord, living his life to please to Him and encouraging others to do the same.

It is regrettable that we do not have the exact time periods that states the pastoring periods for Reverends Dentnack, Walker, Johnson and Carter, however the history that was retained discloses them as having pastored at First Ebenezer in the order as listed above.

Reverend Warren W. Jones served as pastor for 27½ years, from 1901 until 1929. It was during Reverend Jones’ watch in 1900 the Church rebuilt the sanctuary and the Usher Ministry organized. Reverend Jones’ eloquence and courage made him victorious in the times of struggle, setting the example of a true Christian.

The Church was once again without an under-shepherd. Reverend Floyd S. Graham, a son of the house of First Ebenezer was elected to serve temporarily. He served as interim pastor cheerfully and willingly from July 1929 until March 1930. The Church then decided to call Reverend Graham as pastor, but he refused the nomination.

God directed the minds of our officers toward the city of Blackville, South Carolina and found the young man, Reverend O. C. Parker. He was a great teacher, wonderful leader, and a sweet singer. Reverend Parker served as pastor from 1930 until 1931 when he was called from labor to reward.

Reverend Charles H. Pickett of Atlanta, Georgia pastored First Ebenezer, leading and always holding on to God’s unchanging hand. Reverend Pickett served First Ebenezer as pastor for four years and three months, 1931 – 1935, preaching and advising the people to commit their lives to Jesus.

After the departure of Reverend Pickett, we were again without a minister. By the power of God, the minds of the officers were again directed to the city of Augusta, Georgia. In October 1935, Reverend John D. Williams was installed as pastor of First Ebenezer. During Reverend Williams’ watch, God continued to bless the Church. On Friday, August 23, 1968 Mrs. Anna Sewell blessed First Ebenezer with a land donation.

As First Ebenezer continued to march on for Christ, the blessings from Him continued to rain from heaven. Mr. Benjamin Piece and Family donated land to the Church on Saturday, December 25, 1976. The donation of the land enabled the Church building to expand and meet the need of the increasing membership.

Reverend Williams believed that all youth were the leaders of the future; so he put our youth to work. He worked diligently with the youth and members until his health would not permit him to serve as Pastor. Reverend Williams had a dream to install an indoor pool for baptism. On Saturday, January 29, 1983, Reverend Williams was called from labor to reward; he served God and First Ebenezer faithfully for 48 years.

In August 1983, Reverend Williams’ dream became a reality; an indoor baptismal pool was installed into the main sanctuary.

The Church was again without a shepherd to lead and guide the worshipers. Various ministers throughout the Central Savannah River Area were invited to speak at regular Church services. First Ebenezer waited on God, one year and two months later He provided the Church with an under-shepherd.

On Sunday, April 22, 1984, the Deacons and the Church Board met in a called meeting after the regular service and voted Reverend Tyrone R. Jones, III as Interim Pastor. With God leading Rev. Jones as Interim Pastor, First Ebenezer was again making progress in the Lord’s name. The Church grew spiritually; a number of members returned and rededicated themselves back to the Lord. Salvation and spiritual growth was one of Rev. Jones’ priorities. He realized that if we put God first, and open ourselves to Him, our Church would continue to be a great ministry. Reverend Jones resigned on the fourth Sunday, November 25, 1984.

Again, the Church was without a shepherd to lead God’s flock. Sunday, April 28, 1985 the Deacons and Church body voted Reverend Amos E. Adams as Pastor. July 1985, he accepted the call.

Reverend Adams served faithfully for over eight years until he became ill. Under his leadership, many souls were added by baptism and Christian experience. He was a skillful and gifted man, he made and built most of things within the Church. He also maintained the Church and the grounds.

Reverend Adams was not only a great preacher, but also a brave soldier fighting for Jesus and appealing to his members to do away with folly, serve the true and living God. Due to continual illness, Rev. Adams retired in August 1993. He has now gone from labor to reward.

On Saturday, September 18, 1993, Reverend Johnnie Bussey was appointed Pastor. He is a soldier on the battlefield for the Lord. Under his leadership six deacons were ordained, a deaconess ministry was organized in 1996 and ordained eight deaconess.

During the extensive restoration, the Church family worshipped at Hephzibah Middle School for two months.

On Wednesday, June 30, 1999, Reverend Johnnie Bussey resigned as pastor. For six years, Reverend Bussey worked diligently doing the work of the Lord. Many souls were added to God’s kingdom under his leadership. Mr. Benjamin Pierce, Hephzibah, Georgia observed the works of the Lord at First Ebenezer donated 12.6 acres of land to First Ebenezer on the 4th Sunday, August 22, 1999 presented by Reverend W. J. Crockett.

Because of the blessings that God was pouring out on FEBC, the Church was able to bless Blount Hill Baptist Church in return with the following: Carpeting, Pews, Chairs, Installing and donating Ceiling Fans, Windows and Front Porch.

The light shone upon us once again and God led a shepherd named Reverend Moses D. Anderson to be the present pastor of First Ebenezer Baptist Church called Wednesday, January 12, 2000, installed the third Sunday, March 19, 2000. Pastor Anderson builds on the past church foundation by ensuring that his community –based ministry addresses the concerns of the Hephzibah, Augusta and surrounding areas.

The two-daughter Churches that were sent forth are doing accreditable work for the Lord. Rev. Angelo Hatcher, Pastor of Ebenezer Rock Baptist Church, Hephzibah, Georgia established in 1879, is now holding the wheel of time as it turns for God. Spring Grove Baptist Church, Hephzibah, Georgia, with Rev. Howard H. Hardin now pasturing, also is carrying on great work in the service of our Lord.

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Kuhaneck donated once acre of land to First Ebenezer in memory of their son Mark Melvin Kuhaneck on Friday, June 14, 2002.

Thursday, October 10, 2002, First Ebenezer was once again blessed from God by receiving Historical Status. On Saturday, August 23, 2003, during our Historical Ceremony Celebration week prior to our 191st Anniversary Service the Historical Marker was posted on the grounds and First Ebenezer Baptist Church name was official changed to Historic First Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Historic First Ebenezer Baptist Church’s mission and purpose is for the advancement of the kingdom of Jesus Christ. We strive to obtain this goal through public worship of God, preaching of the gospel, personal evangelism, missionary endeavors, and Christian education. We are a Church on a mission for Jesus Christ, who is the Great Commissioner, our ruler and guide. We are proclaiming to our community and the world the saving activities of God in Christ Jesus.

Over the years blessings showered on Historic First Ebenezer Baptist Church and now the Church rests on 23 acres of land (including the original 1851 and 1852 noted acreage) and our membership is 350 – 450. As the lives of the members of Historic First Ebenezer continue to be changed, they continue reaching out to others, sharing Christ and His kingdom continues to grow.

Historic First Ebenezer Baptist Church, its survival and its success, is an inspiration to the people of Hephzibah. Its history encourages all. In the early 1800’s, the Church founders achieved a sense of independence by carving out of slavery a place to worship freely. The early Church members continued their Christian experience by joining with other Christians organized in the state of Georgia. With a visionary spirit, Ebenezer Church strengthened it foundation for creating an African-American association with four other Churches. That association still has a lasting effect on Georgia today. Historic First Ebenezer supported ministries have expanded the influence that the Church has had upon the community also. Historic First Ebenezer represents a triumph of spirit and faith in God.

Historic First Ebenezer is truly thankful to God to have been able to retrieve this historical data that we present to the Church and Community. However, we understand that there is historical information that we have no knowledge and is not recorded at this time. As we received/retrieve additional historical information, we will expediently record it as part of our rich history.

We give special thanks to Robert Gardner, Senior Researcher in Black History, Mercer University, Macon, Georgia on all the assistance in preparation of receiving our Historical Marker, and to all persons who contributed to the recovery of this historical information.

We thank God for His everlasting mercy and grace. We will forge ahead with renewed spirit to meet the new challenges as the founding members did 194 years ago. We will show God's love and share that love with others as we spread His love that He so freely gives. We have accepted the commitment to do the will of the Lord as We Climb Jacob's Ladder. Amen

The Pastors who herded the flock of Historic First Ebenezer Baptist Church

Peter Johnson ~ 1838 ~ 1845 (Recorded Dates)

Isaac Burch ~ 1840

Jacob Walker ~ 1845 - 1847

Kelly Low ~ 1847 - 1850

Charles Mercer Irwin ~ 1847 – 1850

Frank Beall ~ 1850 - 1865

John C. Bryan ~ 1865 - 1867

William M. Hampton (Layman) ~ 1867 - 1869

A. L. Dentnack

Charles T. Walker

Gad S. Johnson

Josiah Carter

Warren W. Jones ~ 1901 – 1929

Floyd Graham ~ July 1929 - March 1930

O. C. Parker ~ 1930 - 1931

Charles. H. Picket ~ 1931 - 1935

John D. Williams ~ October 1935 - January 29, 1983

Tyrone Jones ~ April 22, 1984 - November 25, 1984

Amos Adams ~ July 1985 - August 1993

Johnnie Bussey ~ September 18, 1993 - June 30, 1999

Moses D. Anderson ~ March 19, 2000 - Present

Licensing & Ordination of Ministers

Griffin, Alexander,

Combs, Lindsey

Carter, Josiah

Graham, Floyd

Griffin, Elam

Carswell, E. C.

Williams, Earnest

Beard, Juditha

Licensed

Sunday, September 30, 2001

Beard, Clarence

Licensed

Sunday, August 18, 2002

Lacy, Bobby

Licensed

Sunday, June 5, 2005

Safford, Cheryle

Licensed

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Mann, Larry

Licensed

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Washington, Connie

Licensed

Sunday, March 2013

Deacons on Record

Allen, Sam

Ancrum, Ronnye

Baugh, James

Becton, Bryant

Bostic, Moses

Brooks, Paul

Brown, Nelson

Bryant, Carmie

Bryant, David

Bryant, Douglas

Bryant, Jessie

Bryant, Sam

Campfield, Randall

Carter, Albert

Carter, Richard

Collins, Fred

Cummins, John

Davis, W.W.

Dove, W.M.

Drayton, Isaac

Evans, Charlie

Fuller, Charlie

Fuller, Mason

Glover, Jones Scott

Griffin, Floyd

Hicks, Cleveland

Holliway, John

Jenkins, Leroy

Jordan, Paul

Keelebrew, Willie

Manatee, Thomas

Martin, Kit

Matthew White

Meyers, Ezekiel

Morris, W. W.

Moss, Richard

Murphy, Charles

Parker, William M.

Price, Ulysses

Rhodes, Jim

Ryans, George

Ryans, Jessie

Ryans, Robert,

Smith, Leon

Thomas, Louis

Tinsley, Augustus

Travis, Oscar

Travis, W. M.

Tweedy, Mitchell

Wesbey, Sidney, Sr.

White, Wesley

Wiley, Ed Sr.

Wiley, Nathaniel

Wiley, Washington

Williams, Alex

Williams, James

Williams, Robert

Wright, Charles

Deaconess on Record

Ancrum, Lillian

Baugh, Delores

Brooks, Bernice

Bussey, Reatha

Evans, Mamie

Hick, Minnie

Jenkins, Annette

Moss, Charlie Mae

Ryans, Patricia

Ryans, Rebie

Settles, Lilly

Smith, Josephine

Tillman, Tessie

Williams, Lucile

Trustee on Record

Askew, Ronald

Baugh, James

Bennett, Mandell

Blount, Johnnie Mae

Blount, Sanders

Brooks, Paul

Carswell, Donnie

Carswell, Kenneth

Evans, Thomas

Gardener, Jacquelyn

Griffith, Elizabeth

Hicks, Minnie

Jackson, George

Jenkins, Buford

Jones, Calvin

Mann, Larry

McCann, Charlie

Meyers, Wilford

Millendar, Marlon

Moody, Carl

Nye, Kenneth

Phillips, Derrick

Palmer, Helen

Price, Ulysses

Porter, John

Roland, Joe

Ryans, Henry

Ryans, James W.

Safford, Arthur

Settles, Shanette

Shanks, Joseph

Tanzymore, Eugene

Thomas, Henry

Washington, William

Wesbey, Frank

Wesbey, Larry Jr.

Wiley, Bonnie

Williams, Juliette

Williams, Robert

Young, Robert

Zinnerman, Carrie

Property Acquisitions

1851

January 7,

Tuesday

Purchased from Absalom Rhodes

½ Acre $ 2.00

1852

April 6,

Tuesday

Purchased from Absalom Rhodes

5 2.5

$25.00

1968

August 23,

Friday

Donated by Mrs. Anna Sewell

1976

December 25

Saturday

Donated by the Pierce Family

1999

August 22,

Sunday

Donated by Pierce Benjamin

12.6 Acres

2002

June 14,

Friday

Donated by Mr. & Mrs. Kuhaneck

1 Acre

Historical Status ~ Thursday, October 10, 2002

Historical Marker Posted ~ Saturday August 23, 2003

Church Ministies ~ (Past & Current)

Trustee Ministry

Youth Ministry

Usher Ministry

Baptismal Ministry

Pastor’s Aide

Tape & Audio Ministry

Publicity

Historical Ministry

Hostess/Hospitality Ministry

Mission

Brotherhood

Young Adult Women’s Ministry

Deacon Ministry

Deaconess Ministry

Christian Education Ministry

Music Ministry: Youth Choir, Early Morning Choir, Sanctuary Choir, J.D. Williams

Gospel Choir, Senior Choir, Male Chorus, Adult/Youth Praise & Worship Teams

Out Reach Ministries: Education & Computer Tutorials, Medical College of Georgia Out-Reach Ministry, HFEBC Gazette, Food Bank

Ministry, Prison Ministry, Nursing Home & Hospital Out-Reach Ministry, Senior Food Out-Reach, Summer

Spectacular Program