History

Our History

	Ebenezer Baptist Church was founded on March 25, 1892 by Rev. Alexander Truatt. The first place of worship was the Daughters of Zion Hall at the corner of 4th and Commerce Streets in Charlottesville, Virginia. The first pastor, Rev. Alexander Truatt was followed by Rev. C.N. Granison, Rev. Wilson Carter, Rev. C.N. Harris, Rev. A.B. Coleman, Rev. Thomas Briggs, Rev. E.J. Jackson, and Rev. T.D. Adkins. During Rev. Adkins’ pastorate, on Thanksgiving Day, November 27th, 1907, the church was destroyed by fire. Eleven months later, the rebuilding of Ebenezer was completed as the building stands today.
Rev. Alexander Truatt 1892-1894

	From 1908 to 1927, Ebenezer Baptist Church’s membership continued to grow under the leadership of its next five ministers: Rev. H.A. Stevens, Rev. R.J. Terrell, Rev. F.A. Brown, Rev. H.H. Johnson, and Rev. P.W. Price. During Rev. Price’s tenure, the church purchased a parsonage located at 411 8th Street, N.W. Deacon/Trustee Adolphus Paige, Sr. built the parsonage that is standing at present.
	In 1928, Rev. G.E. Reed became Ebenezer’s fourteenth pastor followed by Rev. Dr. E.D. McCreary who served for thirty-three years. His skills as an organizer and financial manager kept the church in great stead during his pastorate.
Rev. Dr. E. D. McCreary 1934-1967

	After Reverend McCreary’s retirement in 1967, Reverend Elisha G. Hall became the sixteenth pastor to accept the call to Ebenezer Baptist Church. Much was accomplished during his thirty-six year tenure including the ordination of several ministers and the purchase of the property next door and behind the church.
Rev. E. G. Hall 1967-2005

	On February 1, 2006 Reverend Lehman D. Bates, II took the helm as the seventeenth pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church. From the start, he began the work of the Lord in full force. He is proving to be not only a "man of God" with a vision but also a "man of God" who is actively implementing this vision. Various projects have been undertaken; several of which already have been completed. Under his skilled, professional leadership, Ebenezer enthusiastically looks forward to a most bright and prosperous future as "the best is yet to come"!
Pastor Lehman D. Bates, II